Engaging with the Whole
Calvin is such a beautiful community that seeks to instruct, see, know, encourage and support each student on their learning journey.
One of the things that I value about our community at our School is our desire to engage with the whole person. Whether it is fostering a love of learning, developing a relationship with our Beautiful Creator God, building confidence to set and achieve goals or coming alongside students who need support, we are creating a space where students can belong, know their inherent value and become the person God has created them to be.
It is this vision and mission that has drawn me to Calvin to serve as the new Counsellor for the Senior Campus. Supporting students in their mental health journey is something that I feel called to. I love connecting with young people and providing a safe space for them to unpack the mental health challenges with which they are struggling. I also feel strongly about giving young people agency to find solutions and participate in their intervention plans.
“From now until eternity there will never be a time when we are alone.”
I studied a Bachelor of Psychology because I loved learning about how the brain works and was curious about why people behave the way they do. I loved the science and evidenced based approaches to supporting people with mental ill health. I studied a Masters of Counselling because it offered me the opportunity to journey with others, hear their stories and apply the tools and knowledge I had gained with connection to the whole person. I have the privilege to walk with young people in their challenges and triumphs.
One of the most transforming parts of the relationship God calls us to through his son Jesus is that he became our Immanuel, ‘God With Us’. From now until eternity there will never be a time when we are alone. Whatever we go through or struggle with, we are offered a constant companion to offer comfort, security, acceptance and unconditional love. What a promise!
I know that this role is not for the faint of heart. With the ever increasing need for mental health support in schools, in communities, in our country and indeed the world, my diary will most certainly be filled. Knowing that I have a Wonderful Counsellor who is my Immanuel, gives me the strength and courage I need to meet each student where they are and walk with them through to a restored sense of their identity in Christ.
Please feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s mental health. I am grateful to be part of the Calvin Community.
‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Maria Conway - Counsellor
