Guidance and Wellbeing

Pastoral care is a shared responsibility and in partnership with whānau we wish to ensure that each student has an optimal opportunity to become an independent, caring, reliable and responsible member of the community.

As the Deputy Principal with responsibility for Guidance, together with our experienced team of Form Teachers, Deans and Senior Leadership, it is a pleasure to introduce you to some new key members who will continue to strengthen the guidance team. It is a pleasure to welcome and introduce you to:

Guidance Counselors - Lynn Heramis and George Johnston

Lynn Heramis - I recently arrived in Wellington from Seattle, Washington and am appreciative of experiencing such a warm welcome to Newlands College. As a new staff member, I’m looking forward to connecting with students, whanau, and staff to support the wellbeing of our school community. Building meaningful relationships is a priority in my work to ensure that student dignity is honoured and maintained. 

George Johnston - As a Guidance Counselor, I believe that every student deserves genuine care and support. I pride myself on being both a compassionate listener and someone who can bring a bit of humor to challenging conversations. My goal is to help students feel heard, supported, and empowered to navigate their personal and academic journeys.

I'm also excited to introduce Breathe Club, a space where students can find moments of calm through simple movement and stillness - whether you're looking to settle the mind, reset between classes, or just take a break from the daily rush.

Pou Manaaki - Kōkā Merita Levave

Mā te manaaki i te tangata e tū ai te mana

He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou, nō England, Ireland, Scotland me Germany hoki. Ko Merita Levave tōku ingoa. I am privileged to hold the position of Pou Manaaki here at Newlands College. I am here to support the journey of ākonga Māori through our kura by:

Te Punenga - Fostering Māori Excellence & Potential

Mana Māori - Student involvement in Te Ao Māori

Whakawhanaungatanga - Whānau Engagement

Manaakitanga - Pastoral Care

I look forward to connecting with our whānau at our hui ā te Wēnerei kei te haramai - Wednesday 12 February - 6.00 - 7.30 pm in the Whare Hoe Waka (staffroom).

School Nurse - Emily Veale Emily is available on Fridays and will be full time with us from the beginning of Term 2. She will provide community health care in the College and inspire our students and staff to learn about and look after their wellbeing.

Nurse Prescriber - Keri Ingham Keri is from Newlands Medical Centre, she will be available for appointments on Fridays on site at school.

Keri can support students with overall wellbeing including sexual health while at school. She is able  to prescribe medication and treat some conditions.

Charlotte Greig - Youth Worker. Charlotte works one day a week. She guides and models positive social interactions, from which a sense of connectedness and belonging can be fostered.