Student Services
The Guidance and Counselling Team includes a warranted counsellor and guidance teachers, working together to support students academically and personallly. The counsellor offers broader mental well-being support, including crisis intervention in a confidential environment, while guidance teachers focus on career guidance, relationship issues, and emotional support.
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.
Support is various, and includes:
- Academic Challenges: Guidance teachers can help students cope with the 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 help for issues, such as anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, eating disorders, relationship problems, dysfunctional family dynamics, low self-esteem, attachment and bereavement issues. The counsellor collaborates with other professionals to support students’ well-being.
- 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.
What is discussed in helping skills or counselling sessions remains strictly confidential, unless there is a perceived risk to the individual or to others.
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 available for loan. 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 and is open every school day from 08:00 to 15:00.
Library Week
Library Week is held at the beginning of the second term each year. During this week, a theme is chosen, and various activities are organised around it. In addition to displaying books and presenting their film adaptations, the library collaborates with different subject departments and guest speakers to conduct activities and discussions.
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.
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 Student Representative Council 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.
Post-Secondary Student Councils: Student Voice Initiative Award
Run by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, the Student Voice Initiative Award is undertaken following the election of the Student Representative Council. The elected members of the student council participate in this initiative, which is designed to encourage schools, involve students, and invest in communities by supporting student councils in attaining Democracy Awards for their schools. The initiative aims to strengthen student councils’ role as advocates for their peers. It encourages student representatives to listen actively to students’ needs, represent their interests, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement within the school community.
The Department of Physical Education offers students access to two gymnasia for volleyball, basketball, badminton, handball, rounders and dodgeball.
The school premises include a seven-a-side football pitch, an outdoor basketball court, a table tennis room, and a fitness room equipped with weights and gym equipment. These facilities are available for students to use during breaks or for free lessons. During break time, the department organises leagues for football, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. It is also possible to use the facilities for dance practice.
Students interested in sports and fitness should contact the teachers in the Department of Physical Education.
The school canteen provides students with a convenient place to buy food and drinks during breaks. It also serves as a social space where students can relax and interact with friends. In addition, water stations are located throughout the school, ensuring students have easy access to drinking water throughout the day.
Located near the canteen, the school stationery supplies most of the essential items students and staff need. It also offers photocopying services and printing facilities, allowing students to print documents using flash drives or email.
Security staff are stationed near the school gate, where they check student identification cards and monitor who enters and leaves the premises. Their presence helps prevent unauthorised access and ensures a secure environment for students and staff.