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The school has its own counselling cell. The function works to address two major needs in children of school going age:
- Career Aspirations: In consultation with teachers, parents and the verbalized inclination of the student, the school counsellor helps the student decide on what might be the best career options for them.
- Mental Health: Our in-house counsellor in consultation with the teacher conducts personal observations during the classes on a regular basis. This helps to identify students having difficulties with cognitive development, discipline or other behavioural discrepancies.
Career Counselling
We are associated with Drishti and Viosa to provide career guidance to our Secondary Level students. They assist students in setting realistic goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. They help students identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and potential obstacles, enabling them to navigate their educational and career journeys more effectively. They also engage with the parents, recognizing their crucial role in their child’s educational and career development. They offer guidance to the parents on supporting their child’s career exploration and decision-making.
The Drishti Foundation conducts an annual aptitude test for students of STD VIII, the results of which portray an elaborate and extensive analysis of their mental abilities. The detailed report is then shared with parents for further guidance and counselling on selecting the best career option for the child and the subsequent choice of appropriate subjects for the ICSE board examination.
One of recent events on career counselling held for the students of Std. IX AND X on Friday 14th July, 2023 was taken by Mr. Ashish Sardesai, Founder of VIOSA. The session focused on advising students about the various career options for each stream – Science, Commerce and Humanities. The session also addressed the higher education requirements for each of the fields and how students can prepare themselves academically to tackle the admission requirements of higher education institutions. The session was well received and thought provoking. The session was also a curtain raiser on a career aptitude assessment programme offered by VIOSA, which will surely help our students to clear some of their doubts about their future career options.
Mental Health
At Maneckji Cooper School, we are passionate about inclusive education. We firmly believe that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Which is why, we are committed to early identification of behavioural discrepancies and subsequent intervention.
However, we do not or rather cannot do tis alone. Before commencing counselling sessions, we engage in open and interactive discussions with parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s background and needs through a history taking session. We follow a systematic process to identify and support children with special needs, ensuring they receive the timely intervention they require.
School Counseling Programs
At our school, we prioritize the emotional and mental well-being of our students through comprehensive counseling programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group. Recently, our School Counsellor conducted a series of impactful sessions addressing crucial topics such as safe and unsafe touch, managing examination anxiety, self-worth, and fostering respect and understanding among peers.
Safe and Unsafe Touch for Early Learners and Addressing Bullying
To empower our youngest students in HKG and LKG, we held sessions focused on understanding safe and unsafe touch. Using engaging video screenings and interactive discussions, the Counsellor helped children identify touches that make them feel happy and secure, like a hug from family, versus those that make them feel scared or uncomfortable. Emphasizing the importance of speaking up, students learned to approach trusted adults if they ever experience an unsafe touch. This foundational knowledge is vital for recognizing personal boundaries and ensuring their safety.
Understanding the prevalence and impact of bullying, we conducted targeted sessions for Grade 7 boys and for Std 1 and 2 students. These sessions covered not only traditional bullying but also cyberbullying, the bystander effect, and the importance of the T.H.I.N.K. principle: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? Through these discussions, we aimed to instill qualities of compassion and respect among students.
Managing Examination Anxiety
Recognizing the crucial role teachers play in shaping a positive school environment, we conducted workshops based on the book Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov. Topics such as the Joy Factor Without Apology, Firm Calm Finesse, Warm & Strict, and Emotional Constancy were explored. These workshops equipped our educators with tools to create a compassionate and effective learning atmosphere.
Building Compassion Among Teachers
For our Grade 6, 7, and 8 students, the Counsellor organized sessions on managing examination anxiety just before Term 1 Exams. These sessions introduced various tools and strategies for effective study and time management, including ABC Categorization, SMART Goals, the 4R’s, and the Pomodoro Technique. Students also explored symptoms of exam anxiety and learned the importance of seeking help, whether from trusted adults or peers. The open dialogue fostered a supportive environment where students felt comfortable sharing their experiences and insights.
Self-Worth and Resilience
We hosted a group session on the “Self-Worth Cycle: Spreading Our Wings!” emphasizing the significance of self-worth in personal development. Activities like emotional charades, grounding exercises, and mountain meditation allowed teachers to reflect on their own self-worth and foster emotional resilience. Additionally, interactive sessions on self-image and self-esteem helped students develop a positive self-perception, which is crucial for their confidence and willingness to take on challenges.
Fostering Respect and Understanding
For Grade 8 students, we facilitated discussions on fostering a culture of respect and understanding among peers. These sessions focused on inclusivity, embracing diversity, and building empathy, which are essential for a supportive learning environment. By celebrating diversity, students learn to appreciate different perspectives and experiences.
Building Resilience
A special session for Grade 10 students, titled “Building Resilience – A Letter to My Future Self,” encouraged students to reflect on their inner strength amid challenges. Emphasizing that resilience is shaped by attitude, the session provided valuable reminders to stay inspired and proactive in facing life’s difficulties.
Emotional Needs of Children
Understanding the prevalence and impact of bullying, we conducted targeted sessions for Grade 7 boys and for Std 1 and 2 students. These sessions covered not only traditional bullying but also cyberbullying, the bystander effect, and the importance of the T.H.I.N.K. principle: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? Through these discussions, we aimed to instill qualities of compassion and respect among students.
Comprehensive Support Systems
We also implemented a “secret question box” activity, allowing children to express concerns confidentially. Our one-on-one counseling sessions address emotional, behavioral, and academic issues, with particular attention to cyberbullying, body shaming, and adolescent crises.
Our Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) actively works to safeguard students against various forms of abuse, including emotional, sexual, neglect, cyber, physical, and verbal abuse. The committee ensures prompt action and supports the emotional and mental well-being of every child.
Collaborative Approach with Parents
Before individual counseling sessions, we conduct history-taking sessions with parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s background. This collaborative approach helps tailor our counseling to meet specific needs. Our Edusprint software securely stores case studies, ensuring confidentiality while allowing easy access for the School Counsellor.
Collaborative Approach with Parents
Before individual counseling sessions, we conduct history-taking sessions with parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s background. This collaborative approach helps tailor our counseling to meet specific needs. Our Edusprint software securely stores case studies, ensuring confidentiality while allowing easy access for the School Counsellor.
Sensory Integration
By encouraging sensory play, we aim to provide holistic growth opportunities for our students. This is from Nursery onwards. While we are in the process of including necessary sensory tools & equipment required for a child’s complete cognitive development, we do activities in order to enhance motor development and finger dexterity in children. Sensory integration activities will also address concerns like low comprehension, speech delays and other developmental issues. This will also enhance social & emotional development.
Identifying Learning Needs
We conduct classroom observations and tracking drives to identify children with learning disabilities or emotional challenges, ensuring that support is provided sensitively and discreetly.
Commitment to a Supportive Environment
We believe in creating a nurturing and supportive school environment where kindness, empathy, and respect are the norms. By proactively addressing bullying and fostering open dialogues, we aim to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and capable of thriving.
Together, as a community, we can build a culture where bullying has no place, enabling our young students to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Let us remain committed to nurturing the emotional well-being of our children and supporting their journey toward becoming confident and resilient individuals.