Counseling

The St. Francis Xavier school counseling program serves all students Pre-K-8 and employs strategies to support our students so they can remain intellectually competent, religious, loving, open to growth, and committed to doing justice!

The primary focus of a school counselor at the elementary level is prevention. The main objective is to help all students learn basic life skills and help your child have a successful school year. Frequently, non-academic issues can get in the way of a student’s learning (especially during these early developmental years). Addressing these issues early can help your child to succeed in school!

Reasons your child may contact the school counselor:

“I’m getting picked on at after care and I don’t know what to do about it.”
“My best friend isn’t talking to me and it makes me feel sad.”
“I want to show you what I just made in art. I’m very proud of it.”
“I’m new to this school and I’m very scared.”
“My dog died over the weekend and I am sad.”
“I just want to talk to someone who will not laugh at me.”
“My mom and dad just told me they are getting divorced.”
“Tim, Sam, and I had a problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?”

Reasons parents might contact the school counselor:

“My husband I are getting divorced and we think our kids could benefit from talking about it with other kids. Is group counseling available?”
“Mikey just doesn’t want to go to school in the mornings.”
“I’m concerned because Allen tells me he doesn’t have any friends.”
“We recently had a death in the family, and I’m not sure my child is handling it well.”
“Kevin is having difficulty paying attention in the classroom.”

“It’s almost impossible to get Jason to do his homework at night.“ I’m looking for some resources (books, websites, videos) on how to deal with a certain issue regarding my child”

School Counseling is a short term resource. If there are greater issues that need extensive attention, I will be glad to assist you in finding an outside counselor to work with your child. I in turn can maintain contact with your student’s counselor or therapist to ensure that therapeutic goals are supported here in school.