If our unique role is lost, who will young people turn to?

Guidance counsellor Mai Kerins tells the stories of four fictional students in real life scenarios, to spell out the reality facing second-level schools arising from changes to their staffing quota from next September

A FIRST-YEAR student, Mary, knocked timidly on the office door. She needed help with a study plan.

Mary nervously began to explain her fears about doing badly in her exams, as she was finding it difficult to study at home. After gentle questioning by the guidance counsellor, the real problem was disclosed.