Sarah Whelan and Cara Murphy are the school’s Guidance Counsellors.
Guidance in St. Raphaela’s refers to the range of learning experiences that aim to assist students in developing an awareness and appreciation of their talents, interests and abilities. There is a particular emphasis in our school on independent learning and growth mind-set and this is reflected in the goals of the guidance plan. The scope of the plan encompasses the three interlinked areas of:
- Personal and Social Development
- Educational guidance
- Vocational guidance
Counselling in St. Raphaela’s is a key part of the school guidance programme. Counselling is offered mainly on an individual basis, though group counselling may, at times, be deemed appropriate. Students may self-refer, or referrals may come from parents/guardians, teachers, management, other students. A person-centred approach plays an integral part in counselling in this school.
Making appointments: We have an open-door policy for making appointments. Students are encouraged to drop into our offices beside the library. Concerned parents/guardians can also refer their students to us via Vsmail or parents/guardians can make a referral through the Year Head.
For our Guidance Classes, we primarily use Careers Portal. Students have full membership of Careers Portal. This website is a digital suite of information on options for when they leave school.
Subject Choice : For Transition Year students, we advise that they research their subject options carefully with the help of Careers Portal’s by clicking here.
This is further complimented by the new Careers Fit testing that we do with Transition Year students. The Careers Fit report suggests Leaving Certificate subjects based on their aptitude and interests. Transition Year students will be able to attend a Subject Choice Fair facilitated by current 5th Year students in March. Also, subject teachers will give students an overview of their subjects at a Subject Choice Day in March. Parents can attend an online webinar hosted by St. Raphaela’s Guidance Counsellors where they will be furnished with up-to-date information regarding subjects and Senior Cycle Reform and any of their subject queries will be answered.
The CAO Handbook 2026 is an excellent tool to review up-to-date information regarding how to set up an application, the points system, rounds and offers process.
If your student is considering applying to HEAR or DARE, the Access to College website provides all information regarding the applications. We support your students with the application process.
For financial support while attending further education, SUSI applications open in April each here. Follow the link to the eligibility criteria test.
We advise all Sixth Years to download the CAO points calculator. The website can be accessed here.