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 life 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.  

Kia ora, Ko Morgan Hunter tōku ingoa.

I am an Educational Psychologist and 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.

Morgan Hunter
Head Guidance Counsellor / Educational Psychologist [email protected]

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

Leanne Gilmour (Guidance 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.

Sonya Liggins-Walters (Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Studies)

School TV is a new wellbeing platform. Click Here

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 dedicated to this role. Margaret Ereckson is a trained guidance who was also worked in Special Education at the MOE. With her many years and diverse experience she is well placed to do this work.

Margaret Ereckson
SENCO(Specialist Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
[email protected]

Southland Girls’ High School has Erin Lintott as a Health Nurse available at school from Term 2. She will run lunchtime clinics on Monday and Thursdays by request. Please contact Erin direct to make an appointment on 027 245 4163 or email [email protected]

Students are able to access information about the following issues:

• • Drugs & Alcohol information
  • Sexual Health concerns  
  • Family issues
  • Relationship concerns
  • Smoking cessation
  • Vision and Hearing concerns
  • General health checkups                                          

All conversations are highly confidential.

Year 9 Health Assessments are a free health service, which aims to provide support to students with a focus on overall health and wellbeing. For further information please click HERE

Kate McCulloch from Windsor Street Physio comes to the School on Tuesdays 9 am-1 pm (temporarily).

To book an appointment students are to see Student Services.

Windsor Street Physio will contact parents to arrange payment and discuss if its ACC covered or not. There is a no show fee however.