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The school has its own counselling cell. The function works to address two major needs in children of school going age:

  • Career Aspirations: In consultation with teachers, parents and the verbalized inclination of the student, the school counsellor helps the student decide on what might be the best career options for them.
  • Mental Health: Our in-house counsellor in consultation with the teacher conducts personal observations during the classes on a regular basis. This helps to identify students having difficulties with cognitive development, discipline or other behavioural discrepancies.

Career Counselling

We are associated with Drishti and Viosa to provide career guidance to our Secondary Level students. They assist students in setting realistic goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. They help students identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and potential obstacles, enabling them to navigate their educational and career journeys more effectively. They also engage with the parents, recognizing their crucial role in their child’s educational and career development. They offer guidance to the parents on supporting their child’s career exploration and decision-making.

The Drishti Foundation conducts an annual aptitude test for students of STD VIII, the results of which portray an elaborate and extensive analysis of their mental abilities. The detailed report is then shared with parents for further guidance and counselling on selecting the best career option for the child and the subsequent choice of appropriate subjects for the ICSE board examination.

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One of recent events on career counselling held for the students of Std. IX AND X on Friday 14th July, 2023 was taken by Mr. Ashish Sardesai, Founder of VIOSA. The session focused on advising students about the various career options for each stream – Science, Commerce and Humanities. The session also addressed the higher education requirements for each of the fields and how students can prepare themselves academically to tackle the admission requirements of higher education institutions. The session was well received and thought provoking. The session was also a curtain raiser on a career aptitude assessment programme offered by VIOSA, which will surely help our students to clear some of their doubts about their future career options.

Mental Health

At Maneckji Cooper School, we are passionate about inclusive education. We firmly believe that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Which is why, we are committed to early identification of behavioural discrepancies and subsequent intervention.

However, we do not or rather cannot do tis alone. Before commencing counselling sessions, we engage in open and interactive discussions with parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s background and needs through a history taking session. We follow a systematic process to identify and support children with special needs, ensuring they receive the timely intervention they require.

Our recent observations on Student Mental Health

In the wake of the pandemic, the spotlight on student mental health has never shone brighter. Our schools, traditionally temples of learning, have evolved into sanctuaries of resilience and well-being. Recognizing the profound impact of these unprecedented times on our students, it has become more crucial than ever to prioritize their mental health. The classroom is not merely a place for academic growth; it is also the fertile ground on which emotional and psychological resilience can flourish. Through open conversations, empathetic listening, and dedicated support, we create a nurturing environment where students can not only thrive academically but also heal, learn to adapt, and build the mental fortitude to confront future challenges.

As educators and counsellors, we have the privilege and responsibility to foster this holistic growth, ensuring that our students emerge from this transformative period not just wiser but also emotionally stronger. The post-pandemic era invites us to embrace this vital mission of nurturing not just bright minds, but also resilient spirits, ensuring that our students are not just prepared for the future but equipped to thrive in it.

In this post-pandemic educational landscape, the importance of inclusive education cannot be overstated. The challenges brought by the pandemic have underlined the necessity of ensuring that no student is left behind. Inclusive education is not just a policy; it’s a reflection of our commitment to equity and diversity. It recognizes that every student, deserves the opportunity to learn and grow together in an environment that respects and celebrates differences. Inclusion is the cornerstone of building empathetic, compassionate, and globally aware citizens.

As we navigate these uncharted waters, embracing inclusive education means that we tailor our support to the unique needs of each student, fostering an atmosphere of belongingness and acceptance. It’s about going beyond academic achievement to address the social and emotional well-being of our students. By actively promoting inclusive education, we acknowledge that every student has a role to play and a unique perspective to share in the journey of learning and healing. It’s a powerful testament to our commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive school community where every student’s mental health and holistic development are not only valued but prioritized.

Our Approach

At the core of our approach is the importance of creating a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of judgement. We believe in empowering our students by offering them the ability to be heard, understood and supported. We understand that each child is unique, and their challenges require a personalised and empathetic approach. By working collaboratively with parents, educators and specialists, we aim to empower our students to overcome their obstacles and thrive in diverse and inclusive educational environment.

Group Counselling Sessions

These sessions have played a pivotal role in addressing pertinent issues. Topics range from managing negative attitudes to tackling social conflicts such as bullying and cyberbullying and addressing self-worth and behavioural issues which are mostly a manifestation of negative emotional baggage that the student is carrying. Some examples of activities under the Group Counselling are:

  • R.O.A.R: To instil values such as respect and responsibility through a combination of lectures and demonstrative examples. For e.g., using situation cards and asking children to indicate the right and respectful way to act in the given situations.
  • Burst Your Balloon & Fostering Friendship: In this activity, we ask students to imagine all their negative emotions while blowing the balloon and then bursting the balloon. Children are sometimes overwhelmed and are looking to vent. Doing this helps them with releasing pent-up energy. Sharing their story with friends as a part of this activity allows them to feel lighter, understood and supported. These sessions have truly facilitated engagement while imparting valuable life lessons.
  • My Compliment Jar: A 7-day activity where the student is asked to write one positive quality about themselves each day and place it in the Jar. It helps children develop confidence, higher self-esteem and appreciate themselves a little more. Seeing themselves in a positive light also helps with improving academic performance, social engagement and mind-set.

Sensory Integration

By encouraging sensory play, we aim to provide holistic growth opportunities for our students. This is from Nursery onwards. While we are in the process of including necessary sensory tools & equipment required for a child’s complete cognitive development, we do activities in order to enhance motor development and finger dexterity in children. Sensory integration activities will also address concerns like low comprehension, speech delays and other developmental issues. This will also enhance social & emotional development.

One - To - One Sessions

The school counsellor has regular one-to-one sessions with parents and their ward which helps in building a strong link with the parents, familiarizing the counsellor with the student’s behavioural history and also discussing with them changes they could bring about in their equation with their child and the home environment. Confidentiality is upheld in all interactions. One-on-one counselling for children offers personalised support, helps manage emotions, builds life skills, and fosters trust. It’s a safe space for children to express their feelings and work on behavioural challenges, trauma or grief.

Positive Reinforcers

Children are encouraged through good behaviour certificates or caught being good certificates. This is to recognize positive shifts in behaviour and attitude at school.