At Southland Girls’ High School, we provide a mana-enhancing and confidential environment where students feel valued and able to achieve to the best of their ability. We know students are more successful in all aspects of their lives when they have a sense of belonging at school.
The Guidance Counsellors offer an extra layer of support to ensure that students feel safe and develop positive relationships built on resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.
Morgan Hunter – Head Guidance Counsellor / Educational Psychologist
Kia ora, Ko Morgan Hunter tōku ingoa.
I am an Educational Psychologist and the lead of the Guidance Department at Southland Girls’ High School. I grew up in Southland but spent many years abroad studying and working as a Psychologist. I feel very privileged to support the ākonga at SGHS, and value collaborating with whānau and other professionals to help them achieve their full potential. I look forward to meeting you.
Leanne Gilmour – Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Ko Leanne Gilmour tōku ingoa
I have been in secondary school education for over 20 years, as a teacher and RTLB. I have been at SGHS since 2023 as an English teacher and Guidance Counsellor and I am currently completing a Master of Counselling through Massey University. This professional experience, alongside raising 2 rangatahi of my own, has equipped me with myriad skills to help guide young people through the often-challenging adolescent years. I feel extremely lucky to meet all of the amazing people that come through my door.
Tihei mauri ora
Sonya Liggins-Walters – Counsellor in training
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Sonya Liggins-Walters tōku ingoa.
I have been teaching at SGHS for over 20 years and feel privileged to work with such a diverse and inspiring community. Over the years I have taught across a range of subject areas, and I currently lead Junior English and Media Studies while supporting our Online learners as their coordinator.
I am currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies, further deepening my commitment to supporting young people. My passion lies in creating a safe and inclusive space where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to navigate their challenges and reach their full potential.
If you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open.
Jaimee Gillan – Guidance Counsellor
[email protected]
The yellow square on the school map below marks where the Guidance Department is located:
Our school also uses the website “Stymie”, which is an anonymous reporting tool that your child can use to report any form of harm. To others, themselves or their school community. Notifications are made through www.stymie.co.nz and involve submitting information such as – who are you making a notification about? Where did it happen? What happened? How often is this happening?
The notification then lands in email form with our nominated staff members. We are then able to offer support to the person the notification is about, and they will know that they are not alone.
School TV is a Well-being platform. Click HERE for further information.
Southland Girls’ High School understands the importance of having specialist services to lift the level of learning for students outside of the normal classroom teaching environment.
At the Literacy Centre students are given extra support in the following ways.
- phonetic skills
- comprehension strategies
- spelling
- vocabulary strategies
- writing
- handwriting
- using technology to access literacy programmes eg: reading plus
This extra comprehensive service is managed by three highly qualified and experience teachers lead by Sarah Rabbitt with Kerrin Tattersfield-Smith and Sarah Redpath. They work individually or in groups with students, depending on a students needs.
For students with more complex learning needs, we have a SENCO (Specialist Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who is dedicated to this role.
Windsor Street Physio visits the School on Tuesdays from 9 am to 1 pm (temporarily).
To book an appointment, please get in touch with our Student Services team.
Windsor Street Physio will contact parents to arrange payment and discuss whether it’s ACC-covered or not. There is a no-show fee, however.
