School Counsellor

At our school, student wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. We want every student to feel safe, included and ready to learn. Whether your child needs help with their mental, emotional, social or physical wellbeing, we are here to help them thrive at school and in daily life.

School Counsellor

At Stewart House School we have a dedicated School Counsellor, named Bao Mai. Bao is a vital part of our school community. Bao chats with students in the playground, conducts ‘wellbeing checks’ to ensure students feel supported and happy during their stay away from home and community and makes himself available for individual conversations and counselling sessions.

Hello! I’m Bao, the school counsellor at Stewart House School. My role is to offer additional support to students, teachers, and parents/carers, promoting both the academic and social-emotional well-being of the students.

I work three days during each student’s twelve-day stay at Stewart House, assisting in the classroom, on excursions, in the playground, and even at the beach. I meet with students individually to discuss any challenges they may be facing during their time here and provide guidance and empathy.

As one of the many supportive adults available to students at Stewart House, my role also includes ensuring that they feel safe, happy, and supported when they return home. To help with this, I regularly communicate with carers, schools, and other agencies.

I’m confident that you, your child, or your student will have a wonderful experience at Stewart House, and we’re excited to support them throughout their stay

Our Stewart house Strategies

At Stewart House, children experience many teachings and activities about how to better manage their emotions. Some of these include Zen tangles, mindful colouring, short meditations, regular self-reflection, sensory play, learning about the emotions and mind etc.

Children are also taught three evidence-based strategies to use during times of distress:

Pausing is a grounding strategy that redirects attention to the present moment. By focusing on three things you can see, three things you can hear and three things you can touch, it calms racing thoughts, reduces stress, and restores focus, helping you feel steady, centered and in control.

Squeeze is another grounding technique for emotional regulation. By tightening and then releasing muscles, the body releases built-up tension and stress. This physical action helps redirect overwhelming feelings, creating a sense of calm and control. It’s a simple strategy that supports focus, relaxation and emotional balance in difficult moments.

Slow breathing is a simple yet powerful tool for emotional regulation. By taking steady, deep breaths, the body activates its calming response, lowering stress and anxiety. This practice helps restore balance, increase focus and promote self-awareness, giving individuals greater control over their emotions in challenging moments.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

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