Student Services
The Guidance and Counselling Team is composed of guidance teachers and a warranted counsellor who work collaboratively to support students in reaching their full academic and personal potential. The guidance teachers primarily focus on career guidance, relationship issues, and emotional support. The counsellor provides broader support in all areas of mental wellbeing, including crisis intervention, within a secure and confidential environment.
In a post-secondary school setting, guidance and counselling play a crucial role in supporting students through the unique challenges and transitions they face in life and their academic journey. What is discussed in counselling sessions remains strictly confidential, unless there is a perceived risk to the individual or to others.
Support includes:
- Academic Challenges
The service helps students cope with difficult circumstances they may face in their studies. - Career Guidance
Some students join post-secondary education with uncertainties about their career paths. Guidance teachers can help students explore their interests, skills, and values, enabling them to make informed decisions about their academic and professional pursuits. - Transition and Adjustment
The transition from secondary school to higher education or from one academic level to another can be a challenging process. Students may require assistance to adapt to a new environment, manage increased academic expectations, and cope with stress. - Personal and Emotional Support
Guidance teachers are often the first point of call when students require help. They are trained to assist students directly and to refer them to the counsellor when more specialised help is needed. - Counselling
Students seek counselling when they are faced with various issues including anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, eating disorders, relationship problems, dysfunctional family dynamics, low self-esteem, attachment and bereavement issues. The counsellor works closely with other professionals inside and outside the school to ensure the well-being of students. - Crisis Intervention
Students may face crises, including family emergencies, trauma, or sudden personal challenges. The team is trained to provide immediate intervention during such crises, assisting students in distress.
The GCHSS library is a welcoming area for reading and studying. A varied selection of resources is available for consultation by the school community. Apart from Reference and Melitensia, there is a wide selection of books that can be loaned out. It is a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration, where various activities, such as Library Week, are organised. Ongoing book displays further promote the joy of reading.
The library is located at Level 0 in the New Block. It is open all day, from 08:00 to 15:00.
GCHSS aims to provide a holistic education that embraces spiritual development. The GCHSS Chaplaincy offers spiritual support and companionship to all members of the school community, students, teaching and administrative staff, and all other personnel on campus. Varied activities provide an opportunity for students to meet and bond with one another, deepening their understanding and practice of the Faith. The Chaplaincy firmly believes in inclusivity and togetherness; students from diverse religious backgrounds are welcome to join and participate in the ongoing activities in a spirit of respect and support for all members of the school community.
Holy Mass is celebrated three times a week in the Chapel located opposite the New Block. At the start of the scholastic year, Christmas and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Eucharist is celebrated in the school Hall. An on-site chaplain offers spiritual guidance and the sacrament of confession.
The Chaplaincy provides a space for students to meet up and socialise between lectures and during free time. In addition to meeting the school community’s spiritual needs, the Chaplaincy offers students a chance to socialise and have fun in a games room equipped with air hockey, billiards, and table soccer.
The Council
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a forum that represents student interests and provides opportunities for participation in the day-to-day life of the school. While advocating for higher standards of school services, the SRC aims to enhance school recognition at the national level. The SRC also enables students to become responsible leaders in the community and instil a drive for active citizenship, thus promoting a holistic approach to education.
The SRC organises various activities on campus, including fundraising events for charity, the Higher’s Got Talent Christmas Concert in December, a flower event for Valentine’s Day, and the prom at the end of the scholastic year.
Council members also participate in various training seminars organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in preparation for their involvement in various national events hosted by this entity.
SRC Election
The SRC implements the democratic process at school. The council is not affiliated with any organisation, and all students are elected as independent candidates. Elections are held at the beginning of each scholastic year, and all registered students are eligible to contest.