School counselors throughout the island are this week celebrating their profession with a week of activities to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counsellors within schools on the island and how students are different as a result of what school counsellors do.

National School Counseling Week, which runs from Feb. 4 to 8, also highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Coordinator of Guidance Counseling in the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations Joycelyn Eugene said the special week honouring school counsellors provides recognition for school counsellors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students, as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Mrs. Eugene cited school counsellors as being actively engaged in working in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.

“Professional school counsellors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counselling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program. School counsellors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, personal/social and career/college readiness needs,” said Mrs. Eugene. “Comprehensive school counselling programmess help to increase student achievement, encourage attendance, and improve student behavior and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success."

As part of its celebration for National School Counselling Week, School Counsellors in various school districts on the island will be having an ecumenical service to start off the celebrations at Bethel’s Blessings in Dennery on February 4th, 2019. They will also hold a two-day School Counsellor Conference from Feb. 6 to 7, at the Chateaux Devaux in Cap Estate. A Gala dinner and retirement function has been slated for Feb. 9.