PVI's Advisory System
Introduction
In keeping with the philosophy of Paul VI High School and the Salesian method and tradition of focusing our attention on the individual nature and needs of our students, we have implemented the Advisory Program. The role of the advisee is a challenging and demanding one. Each advisee is expected to be the best person he/she is capable of being in this Christian community. This expectation is best achieved by the advisee who is willing to know, share and address, with the advisor, the academic and social concerns he/she has. Part of this responsibility is reflected in the advisee’s honest open communication with parents. The advisee’s willingness to take complete responsibility for communication with her/his advisor and others in key to the effective functioning of this program.
Advisee Responsibilities
The advisory group is comprised of the Advisor, who is the head of the group, and students form each grade level. Every year incoming freshmen are added to the advisory group.
A primary responsibility of each advisee is to share academic concerns with the Advisor. The Advisor will assist the advisee with study skills resources, test taking ideas, curriculum, college and career planing and other areas of academic concern. Implicit in this responsibility is the expectation that each advisee give careful, thoughtful consideration to the recommendations and direction given by the Advisor.
The advisee is responsible for keeping the Advisor well-informed regarding his/her academic progress. This is best achieved by regular, open and clear communication with the Advisor. It is crucial to keep the Advisor well-informed as to areas of academic deficiency and achievement. The Advisory Period is the primary time and place for such communication.
An advisee may have concerns regarding a teacher, a peer or others with whom he/she interacts daily. Certain incidents or emotional upsets may occur from time to time. The Advisor is an excellent person with whom to share these concerns. He/she will assist an advisee in resolving these concerns.
Advocacy
One of the most challenging and crucial aspects of the Advisory Program is that of advocacy. From time to time it may become necessary for an advisee to seek the assistance of his/her advisor in the role of advocate. This option is pursued when substantial efforts on the part of the advisee have not led to the desired results. The advocate pleads the cause or speaks on behalf of the advisee. This may take the form of the advocate speaking to parents, teachers, members of the school council, etc. The advocate can speak compellingly at these times if the advisee has been conscientious and responsible in communicating regularly with his/her advisor regarding academic and social progress.
Advisory Period
The purpose of the advisory period is to provide the advisor and advisees the opportunity to meet with each other on a daily basis. Dissemination of information and other mechanics of the school day are covered during this time. However, the most important aspect of the advisory period is establishing open communication and a good relationship with the Advisor. An advisee should speak individually with the advisor at least once every two or three weeks during the advisory period. If further conversation is needed, additional times and places should be set up.