Shafston employs a team of multi-lingual student support staff who are available to counsel students in their first language in relation to any issues they may be experiencing.

Common problems faced by students include: homesickness, struggling to adapt to the local culture, not understanding the public transport system, or finding it hard to find suitable employment or accommodation. Our experienced support staff have a good insight into common areas of concern and are ready to supply the necessary advice and recommendations. They are involved in student orientations and have regular interaction with students. This ensures that new students have immediate knowledge of, and access to, Shafston’s student support.

Academic and personal counselling is available on campus for students who are having issues with their school work or adjusting to life in Australia. ELICOS academic counselling is available, after school from 3:30pm every afternoon except for Friday. Here students can discuss their progress in class, issues with teaching/ learning styles, test results and receive information and counselling regarding courses available, entry-testing and level requirements for specialist examination preparation courses and the associated test dates and venues. Additionally, class changes and discussion of appropriate afternoon elective classes and any other issues associated with learning are discussed in these sessions.

Academic mentors offer one-on-one advice and provide skill building exercises in a range of areas including: planning and researching written work, researching requirements and tools, strategies for editing work, referencing skills, time management, oral presentation skills and examination strategies. Through this service students can target concerns early and avoid losing marks due to lack of knowledge of the requirements of academic assessment.

Personal Counselling assists students who are experiencing a range of concerns including: study stress and anxiety – feelings of being overwhelmed by a new environment and expectations and personal crises impacting on study. The service provides a safe place for students to meet confidentially with a highly-qualified counsellor who can listen and help generate solutions.

Counselling and Disability Support Services can meet with a student identifying with a disability and make recommendations for special consideration or study arrangements including: rest breaks, extra time, separate exam venues, readers and scribes in examinations, assignment extensions, hard copies of lecture notes prior to class, approval to tape lectures and requests for extra tutoring support.