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Counseling

Primary and Elementary School

Our goal is to support your child's social-emotional development in all aspects of the school environment. Counselors in the Primary and Elementary School support students both individually and in small groups. We provide lessons in the classroom, as well as during unstructured activities, such as recess or lunch. Counselors support students in areas such as transitions, friendships, emotional regulation and self-management, coping skills, and self-confidence.

In addition, we are available to support parents, both individually and during group events, such as parent coffee mornings. Counselors have a variety of resources available, including referrals to outside resources such as educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language. We advocate on your child's behalf, including regular collaboration with classroom teachers and service providers.

We have a number of parenting resources available for parental checkout both in the Primary and Elementary School Libraries and in our Counseling offices. We are also available to help children cope with traumatic events such as parental divorce or a death in the family

middle School 

Middle School is a time of intense intellectual, emotional and physical development. In addition to challenging our students to achieve their best, we also want them to enjoy learning. As students move into Grades 6-8, our counseling team strives to help students transition from Elementary School and prepare them socially and emotionally for High School (Grades 9-12).

Navigating the Middle School years can be challenging for many students. We support students in developing the organizational tools needed to be their best. Through Enhanced Learning classes during the week, including Extended Homerooms, we work with students to build their social and emotional skills. 

We hope to tap into the natural enthusiasm for learning that Middle School students possess by challenging them through academics and providing numerous opportunities to explore a variety of interests. Our experienced counselors serve as academic advisors and guide students through the course selection process each year. 

High School

The High School counseling department is designed to serve and assist the unique needs of international students and their families. While addressing the academic, social and emotional needs of students, our counselors also act as a bridge between teachers and parents, working to create an environment where every student will have the tools they need to be successful.
 
Counselors work with students on a range of issues, including self-esteem and peer pressure, managing anxiety and stress, building friendship and relationship skills, time management and study skills and transitions. Our counselors not only support students with their social and emotional needs, but also provide academic and post-graduation advising.

During Grades 9-10, counselors support students explore their academic interests and strengths. We meet with students individually to discuss course selection and create a complete high school academic plan. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for students to learn about career choices (through Career Day), programs of study, and post-graduate options. 

As students move into Grades 11-12, we continue meeting individually for course selection and personalized post-graduation planning. Our counselors present to parents and students on the university admissions process (for multiple countries) and post-graduate opportunities. Working with our faculty, we teach tutorials covering application essay writing, as well as career and university research.

what we offer

Counselors assist students with issues such as:

  • Being new to FIS
  • Moving away
  • Self-esteem
  • Friendship skills
  • Anger management
  • Stress management
  • Problem solving
  • Bullying
  • Culture shock

In addition to helping students in the school environment, counselors are also available to address any concerns parents might have related to topics such as:

  • Settling-in and moving
  • Positive discipline strategies
  • Teaching responsibility
  • Homework strategies
  • Behavioral issues

FIS counselors meet with parents individually and offer periodic parenting talks throughout the school year, including monthly discussions at the Primary School. Counselors advocate on our students' behalf and can assist in referrals to outside resources, including:

  • Educational psychologists
  • Therapists
  • Physicians
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Speech and language therapists

Contact Our Counseling Team

FIS Wiesbaden School Counselor 
Michal Beth Chaffinch

FIS Oberursel Primary School Counselor
Lucie Nuehlen

FIS Oberursel Elementary School Counselors
Shirley Manntz

FIS Oberursel Elementary School Counselor and Inclusion Coordinator
Natalie Stringer

 

FIS Oberursel Middle School Counselors
Rose Weima
Charlene Aspinwall
 
FIS High School Counselors
Zina Sawabini (Grade 9-10)
Jessica Angelidis, (Grades 11-12)
Anna Boyd (Grades 11-12)
Christopher Wilcox, (Grades 11-12)