Most Singaporean parents and students spend substantial time, researching, identifying and choosing an educational institution. Emotional support and pastoral care, however, is sometimes overlooked. This is where the likes of Ms Mairi Mcdonald and her team step in - to offer guardian care.

“We believe that students, particularly, younger ones require additional support for them to be happy and excel. Our ‘carers’ meet students regularly and report the child’s all round progress and development to their parents. They are there to support the student both, inside and outside, of the academic environment, particularly those coming from an overseas country where customs and cultures can be very different,” related Ms Mcdonald, director of Western Australia Education Support Services (WAESS).

WAESS assists students by inducting them into the Western Australian culture, education, lifestyle and on-going support throughout their education. This independent service ensures the childs’ needs are met. Carers can represent parents at the school/college and independently report back to parents.

“Parents should expect carers to be well educated with appropriate experience. They should also only use a carer, recommended by the institution where the child is enrolled. Many parents ask relatives or friends to be carers but experience tells us that an independent carer can have a much greater effect on the progress and support of the student,” advised Ms Mcdonald.