John Paul II has its own Counsellor on-site. Merv Ellis is available to help our students and their families at those times when life gets a bit complicated or confusing. Read his introduction to our students below.

Kia Ora,

I’m Merv Ellis and I am the guidance counsellor at John Paul II High School. I am very much a local and grew up on the streets of Cobden and Greymouth. I returned to the Coast about 5 years ago after exploring some the world for a while.

I am available for counselling and can also help with conflict resolution and academic planning if needed. I am also able to refer to outside agencies. If you are not sure how I can help, we can meet and work out a plan of action to get you the best help for you. I teach as well so some of you may get to know me that way.

A key aspect of my role is confidentiality. Any counselling I do is strictly confidential. I cannot share your information with parents, other teachers, or outside agencies without your permission. I make sure that I explain to you what this means clearly before we start.

If you would like to see me, you can self-refer. There are forms to fill in and put in a box on the wall outside my office (which is in the foyer of L2 – science lab). You can also email me at: merv.ellis@johnpaul.ac.nz or you can talk to any teacher or myself. Sometimes teachers, deans and principals might refer you to me. If this happens, I will get in touch with you and set up a quick meeting to see if I can help. 

Caregivers are also able to ask for me to help and I will follow the same process I do for referrals from within school.

I look forward to helping keep John Paul II High School the fantastic kura we already know it is.

Nāku, nā

Merv Ellis.