St Andrew’s College is pleased to announce the formation of a new facility on the campus entitled, ‘The Centre’, specifically designed to boost the mental well being of our pupils.
Previously St Andrew's assisted boys who were experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties by referring them to psychologists in the community. The disadvantage was that one has to wait for an appointment, whereas a boy in a crisis often requires immediate intervention. The school chaplain also supports boys, particularly regarding spiritual matters.
The value of having someone "on site" has become increasingly apparent as some boys struggle with issues such as stress, depression and other crises typical of their life phase. However not all boys require intensive psychotherapy. Often counselling which offers a supportive, as well as a problem solving element and focuses on issues in the here and now, is what is required. In January 2007, St Andrew's appointed Debbie Griffith-Smith, who has experience in issues pertaining to positive mental health, as a part time school counsellor.
In order to address the needs of the boys from a holistic perspective, Gunther Marx, Vice Principal of Pastoral Care, has initiated the development of a team of staff members who meet once a cycle, (every 10 days) and are responsible for responding to and intervening with boys who are experiencing difficulties. This team named ‘The Centre’, is a body for support and assistance. Presently offices are situated above Jooste kitchen, which is private and accessible to the boys.
What makes The Centre such an effective team is that each member has a specific role and responsibilities. Regular meetings ensure dialogue in terms of intervention, and specify which member should intervene in terms of the needs of each boy.
The team who comprise The Centre are:
- Gunther Marx: Vice principal (Pastoral Care); Gunther chairs the meetings of the Centre and brings experience of seven years of housemastering and eleven years at College.
- Rev Gary Griffith-Smith: School Chaplain; Gary’s emphasis lies in guiding the spiritual well-being of the school. His 14 years experience in parish ministry and good understanding of the dynamics of boys’ boarding schools is a real asset to the team.
- Sr Di-Anne Theuma: San Sister; Boys see the San as a haven, and it is often their first port of call when they are distressed. By keeping a record of the frequency of attendance Di is able to pick up on boys who may need help but are not comfortable asking for it.
- Debbie Griffith-Smith: School Counsellor; Debbie is registered with the Council for Social Service Professions and has worked for 9 years, primarily in the field of Mental Health at NGOs in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, and also at Fort England Psychiatric Hospital in Grahamstown. As school counsellor, Debbie's role is twofold; assessment and/or intervention regarding boys. After assessing the nature of the problem, she either enters into regular counselling sessions, or makes referrals to psychologists, if psychological or educational assessment or psychotherapy is indicated. Boys either approach Debbie directly, or are referred by housemasters who provide specific reasons for the referral. Debbie's hours are flexible enabling her to adapt them to accommodate boys.
- Jane Jarvis: Educational Psychologist; Jane has a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from Wits University. She has previously worked in various educational and remedial institutions and care centres. She also ran her own private practice, specializing in ADHD. Jane has written a book titled The Manual That Never Came with Your Child and is at present involved in projects assisting teachers to cope better with learning and attention difficulties. At College, she is tasked with assessing children with learning and attention difficulties, assisting children with time management, study and organizational skills, assessing the need for accommodations and exemptions, and teacher training
For more information pertaining to The Centre please contact Gunther Marx on g.marx@sacschool.com or 046 603 2361.
Jane Jarvis - Educational Psychologist:
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