Getting to Know You
In upcoming DioNews issues, we will profile different staff and community members to introduce you to the individuals who make up your school community. In this issue, we profile the incredible team in our Vicky McLennan Wellness Centre at the River Rd entrance.
Lizzie Upperton Senior Guidance Counsellor
As we approach the middle of another fulfilling school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some insights into the role of the guidance counselling team at our kura. I am privileged to serve as the Senior Guidance Counsellor at Waikato Diocesan School, working alongside my dedicated colleague, Sarah Peters. With a Bachelor's degree in Counselling and registration with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), I am committed to supporting our students' emotional, academic, and spiritual well-being.
Our primary goal as counsellors is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel valued and heard. We offer a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. In addition to our regular counselling sessions, we work closely with leadership and parents to ensure a holistic approach to each student's development. This collaborative effort helps us identify potential challenges early and provide timely interventions.
Our faith is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our approach to counselling with compassion, empathy, and respect. We believe that every student is unique and has the potential to thrive in a supportive environment.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah or me. Together, we can help our students navigate their high school journey with confidence and grace.
Sarah Peters
Guidance Counsellor
My name is Sarah Peters, and I have the privilege of working as a Guidance Counsellor at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. Along with my colleague, Lizzie Upperton, I strive to support and uplift our students in every aspect of their school life. With a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling and being a registered member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), my focus is on fostering the well-being and growth of each student.
I provide an empathetic, nonjudgmental space and believe every student can achieve great things with the right guidance and encouragement.
Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space for students to express their thoughts and concerns. We offer personalised one-on-one counselling sessions that cover a range of issues, from personal and social challenges to academic guidance.
Additionally, we conduct peer support, group facilitation and staff workshops.
Collaboration is key to our approach. We work closely with the Associate Principal - Student Wellbeing, deans, and parents to comprehensively address each student's needs.
This team effort allows us to provide early support and intervention when necessary.
Students and parents can contact us by emailing:
lizzie.upperton@wdsg.school.nz
Helen Barns-Graham
School Nurse
My name is Helen Barns-Graham, and I am proud to be part of the Waikato Diocesan School for Girls team. I am also the proud mother of three: a son and two daughters. My daughters have both attended Waikato Dio, and my youngest will finish year 13 at the end of this year.
As the recently appointed School Nurse, I bring a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing the health and well-being of minds, bodies, and souls. With a Bachelor of Nursing degree underpinning my practice, I have dedicated almost 30 years to nursing and have experience in many different practice areas, including surgical nursing, post-anaesthesia care, cardiac care, community health, telehealth, and rheumatology.
These experiences have allowed me to develop a great range of essential skills and knowledge and provide me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of healthcare delivery, its challenges, and the importance of communication and collaboration.
As the School Nurse at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, I am committed to creating a safe, healthy, supportive environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. Whether offering medical support for acute illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions or guiding preventive health measures, I am dedicated to promoting a culture of well-being that empowers students to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
In addition to my professional expertise, I bring a compassionate approach to nursing, recognising the importance of empathy and understanding in every interaction. I am committed to building trusting relationships with students, parents, and staff, serving as an approachable and reliable resource and advocate for their health needs.
Together, we can work towards the goal of promoting the health and happiness of our students.
I am available Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary; you can drop into the Wellness Centre anytime during the day.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at nurse@wdsg.school.nz or by phone at (07) 9815575 or 021 702 823.
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