At Takapuna Grammar School we understand the complexities of life as a teenager. The students benefit from our ‘wraparound’ approach to their wide range of well being needs. This support may be in the areas of social pressures, mental and emotional stresses, barriers to learning, health issues, resolving conflict and family crisis. We have a dedicated team of pastoral care professionals working together to help our students navigate their way into adulthood.

The Student Services department includes - Deputy Principal, 2 x Deans at each year level, Student Services Manager, Specialised Counsellors, Hauora Co-ordinator, Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist (Physio in Schools) and Attendance Officer.

Our preference is for parents/caregivers to now use the Report an Absence link to explain student absences.

Absences should be submitted by 8.30am.

The Health Centre, located in the Student Services, is open between the hours 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Staff
It is staffed by an experienced Registered Nurse who delivers a professional, high quality and confidential service.

Aim
Our aim at Takapuna Grammar school is to provide a healthy and safe environment to support student learning in a holistic, respectful and confidential manner.

Services
The health centre provides emergency care and first aid when necessary. We work closely with other members of the student services department including counsellors, physiotherapist, international and special education services. We also have a close relationship with Medplus on Hauraki corner.

The health centre can provide specific support in relation to health needs such as medication or monitoring of a health condition. Please contact us here at any time – see details above.

Any student with anaphylaxis, diabetes or severe asthma should provide an action plan and photo to the health centre completed by their doctor.

Illness and going home from school
If a student needs to leave school due to illness, students are required to present to the health centre where we will contact parents or guardians to obtain their permission as this is a legal requirement. 

Students may make onsite appointments in the dedicated physio room located in Student Services, or by email.

Hours available onsite are;

• Monday 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Tuesday 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Wednesday 9.30am - 1.30pm
• Thursday 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm 

'Physio in Schools'

The Guidance Department at TGS offers a private and confidential service for all students. Students self-refer, or may be referred by teachers, deans, senior management, or parents, but the choice of whether or not to engage in counselling lies with the student themselves.

The qualified counsellors are members of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and offer counselling over a wide range of issues. Their role is to ensure that students feel supported at school, and they do this by providing a safe and confidential environment where students can discuss the difficulties that they are experiencing at school, or issues that may be happening outside of school.

At times a counsellor may suggest a referral to an outside agency such as Marinoto Adolescent Mental Health services or CADS Youth Altered High (Community Alcohol and Drug Services). Parents are welcome to contact the counsellors for information about these or other agencies

Head of Guidance: Johan Kirstein, available Monday to Friday 

Counsellor: Emma Eaglen, available Monday to Friday 

The Peer Teams are six groups of Year 12 and 13 students that are committed to creating positive change at Takapuna Grammar and throughout the wider community.

Peer Drug and Alcohol Team (PDAT)
TIC - Andrew van Stipriaan

The Peer Drug and Alcohol Team (PDAT) focuses on enforcing responsible behaviours and attitudes towards drugs and alcohol. The team visits Years 9 and 10 Health classes to give presentations about responsible drinking and to raise awareness about the negative implications of drug and alcohol abuse. 

Peer Resilience and Protection Team (RAPT)
TIC - Rachel McDowell

The Peer Resilience and Protection Team (RAPT) educates our pupils about anti-bullying and raising mental health awareness. The team has created an anti-bullying kit that they use to teach Year 9 students, as part of the health curriculum. Year 9's learn about actions they can take to support a peer being bullied or cyberbullied. The main Health Promotion they are responsible for is Pink Shirt Day.

Peer Service Team (PST)
TIC - Emma Eaglen

The Peer Service Team (PST) has the main vision of providing service to others in the school and wider community. The team have been responsible for a range of various collections for communities in need such as, clothing for the far north, stationary for Papa New Guinea and the collection of unwanted mobile phones for recycling.

Gender, Relationships and Sexuality Support
TIC - Grace Shelly, Juliet Cryns

The Gender, relationship and sexuality and support team (GRASS) has the role of raising awareness of issues around acceptance of sexuality in all its forms and expressions. Another is to provide pupils with support and information about sexuality, body image and relationships. Some of their promotions have included working with year 10 health classes and Pride week

Student Pedagogy Team (SPT)
TIC - Mary Pottinger

The Student Pedagogy team is an exciting new team for 2020. The team will provide a bridge between students and teachers to enhance their learning. They hope to expand on the Professional Learning that staff engage in on Wednesday mornings and investigate ways in sharing that with the students.

Student Wellbeing Team (SWT)
TIC - Johan Kirstein

The Student Wellbeing Team helps to raise awareness around well being issues that particularly impact teenagers. Their main health promotion has been Mental Health Awareness week where they are responsible for running various activities around the school.