Guidance Officer Week

Guidance officers provide important support for students and school communities across Queensland.

This Guidance Officer Week (from 24 April), we highlight their role in providing counselling and advice on educational, career, personal, mental health and wellbeing issues for students. In 2023, we recognise and celebrate 75 years of guidance support in our state schools.

Calliope State School have two Guidance Officers who have started this term. This week is a wonderful time for them to introduce themselves to our school community.

Lucy Hodgkinson

My name is Lucy Hodgkinson and it is with great excitement that I commence my role as your Guidance Officer – Student Engagement and Wellbeing. For me, working as a Guidance Officer provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with stakeholders to strive for not only positive outcomes academically but also outcomes that support the growth and development of young people socially and emotionally.

I started my journey as a Guidance Officer in Rockhampton, working for just over 6 months at Parkhurst State School, before expanding my skillset in the high school sector. I spent the next two years working and supporting the families and community of Gladstone State High School. I then returned to the Primary School sector working for almost a year at Kin Kora State School.

I will be working at Calliope State School Wednesday’s and Thursday’s as part of the Student Wellbeing Package. I look forward to supporting students’ wellbeing as they strive to achieve their learning potential.

Katelyn Blake

Hello Calliope families,

I would like to introduce myself. I am Katelyn Blake, the new Guidance Officer at Calliope State School. Within my role, I will be working with students alongside their families, school staff and external agencies to ensure students’ have positive educational experiences.

I recently relocated to Gladstone region to begin my career in Guidance and Counselling. I have previously worked on the Gold Coast as a classroom teacher and more recently over the past two years, I have worked as an Inclusion Teacher.

I will be at Calliope State School Monday-Friday. I look forward to settling into my new role as a Guidance Officer and working alongside Calliope students, staff and families.