Guidance Counsellors
Our Guidance Counsellors are available to support students throughout their school journey:
Amanda Leahy
msleahy@lecheilesecondaryschool.ie
Hazel O’ Connell
In Le Chéile, the Guidance Department is committed to supporting the academic, personal, social, and career development of every student. We work to ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and equipped to achieve their full potential.
Our guidance provision includes:
1:1 Personal Counselling
Personal, social and emotional support.
1:1 Vocational Counselling
Guidance on subject choices, course requirements, and career planning.
Career Guidance Parent and Student Information Evenings
Subject choice, senior cycle options, future pathways.
Classroom Guidance
TY and 6th Year weekly timetabled classes.
Wellbeing Support
Fostering resilience, positive relationships, and healthy decision-making.
Collaboration with Families
Ongoing communication with parents/guardians to support student wellbeing and progress.
Referral to Support Services
Internal and external referrals where appropriate.
Crisis Support
Assistance for students experiencing significant life challenges.
Continuum of Support Model
Our school follows the national Continuum of Support model to ensure that every student receives the appropriate level of care:
Support for All
Universal supports available to every student, including:
- Whole-school guidance initiatives
- Classroom guidance lessons
- Career guidance information sessions
Support for Some
Targeted support for students who may require additional help, such as:
- Mentoring programmes
- Small-group interventions
- Behaviour, academic or social-emotional supports
Support for a Few
Individualised, intensive support for students requiring a higher level of support:
- Individual counselling
- Student Support Plans
- Collaboration with external professionals (e.g., CAMHS, external support services)
This tiered model ensures that students receive timely and appropriate levels of support, depending on their needs.
Working Together For Student Success
Our Guidance Counsellors work in conjunction with the Principal, Deputy Principals, Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Co-ordinators, Year Heads, Tutors and Subject Teachers. The Guidance Counsellors play a central role in the school’s Student Support Team, which works collaboratively to promote student wellbeing and address emerging concerns. The Student Support Team meets regularly to review needs, coordinate interventions, and ensure that students receive consistent, high-quality care.
Education & Careers Websites
- www.careersportal.ie – Ireland’s main career guidance site offering course information, CAO calculator, and career planning tools.
- www.qualifax.ie – The national course database where students can explore all third-level courses in Ireland.
- www.cao.ie – The Central Applications Office website for applying to undergraduate courses in Irish colleges.
- www.accesscollege.ie – Information on HEAR and DARE schemes that support students entering college with additional challenges.
- www.nto.ie – A hub for information on National Training Programmes and pathways into further education and training.
- www.apprenticeship.ie – Details on Irish apprenticeships combining workplace training and classroom learning.
- www.susi.ie – The official site to apply for student grants and financial support for third-level education.
- www.ucas.co.uk – The UK’s central application system for university and college courses.
Wellbeing & Support Services
- www.jigsaw.ie – Youth mental health support offering information, advice, and local services for young people.
- www.pieta.ie – Free, nationwide support for people in suicidal distress, engaging in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide.
- https://jigsaw.ie/neart-for-parents-and-guardians/– Jigsaw’s dedicated resource hub supporting parents and guardians in promoting young people’s mental wellbeing.
- childline.ie – A 24/7 listening and support service for children and young people, offering phone, text, and online chat support.
