Student Life
Student
Services
School Counsellor
We are lucky enough to have our own counsellor at school every day of the week.
We aim to support the well-being and safety of all students at Darfield High to enable our young people to achieve their full potential. Andrea is a trained Guidance Counsellor and works according to the NZAC Code of Ethics. She will maintain confidentiality unless there is a serious and imminent risk to safety.
Issues may be large or small! Don’t wait for a crisis. If unsure, come and chat. We are here to help.
You will find Andrea in the Student Services Block (D Block). Students can self-refer by filling out a request, emailing, or just popping in to ask for an appointment. Parents are welcome to contact us, and staff often refer students to us.
School Navigator
Our school Navigator | Kaitakawaenga provides support to whānau, students and staff via the Guidance Department (Block D).
Referrals are voluntary, and whānau, staff and students can self-refer or recommend someone attend.
Attendance support (initiative) – Regular attendance helps students succeed at school so I will partner with Dean’s, whānau and students whose attendance sits between 70% and 80% (moderate). The goal is to understand challenges, strengthen support and work together towards regular attendance.
“Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa | Let us keep close together, not wide apart”
Lifewalk Chaplain
Brian Knopp is back with us in 2026 as our Lifewalk Chaplain.
Lifewalk Chaplains are volunteers who understand that not every student begins the day on an even playing field – there are many challenges that children and young people face.
The Chaplain can walk alongside students who need a little extra support, encouraging them to engage in all aspects of their school experience. When social/emotional competence is low, this can affect academic engagement. In response to this, they provide individual support to students, offering them a listening ear – with empathy and compassion and without judgement.
If you would like your child involved with this extra support, they can find Brian around the school grounds during interval.
Bookings can be made directly with Brian by emailing him Brian@darfield.school.nz, or can be booked using the referral form at the careers desk in Te Puna Tautoko/D Block.
Youth Health Nurse
Our Te Tahi Youth Health Nurse is available at Darfield High School every Thursday from 9:00am – 3:00pm
She can help with vaping cessation, physical ailments, family planning and minor infections, as well as mental health assessment and general health assessment.
The service is free and tailored especially for rangatahi, ages 10-25. Pop in to chat or email nurse@darfield.school.nz for more information. Visit their website to learn more about Te Tahi Youth.
