Counselling

Elementary Counselling Services

Elementary School Counsellors are available on a bi-weekly basis in our elementary schools. They support children, schools, and parents by offering a wide variety of services. Our goal is to support your child in becoming a capable, socially connected and contributing member of the school community. The Elementary School Counsellors are available to assist the school in meeting your child's needs in the areas of assessment, counselling and consultation. If required, they will assist with referrals to community agencies. Registered Psychologists within Student Support Services possess specialized skills and training.

Counselling is provided on an individual or group basis. With parental permission, children can be supported with counselling to help them deal more successfully with the challenges they are presently facing. Counsellors work collaboratively with classroom teachers in providing resource materials, instructional strategies and classroom support. Some of the many topics addressed are: anger management, bully proofing, creative problem solving, grief, peace making skills, drugs, prevention of violence and restitution. Access to Elementary School Counsellors can be arranged by contacting your school principal.

High School Counselling Services

Each of our high schools has guidance counsellors who provide direct service to the student population in the areas of personal, academic and career counselling. They also provide class presentations, group counselling, workshops, seminars and referrals to community agencies when appropriate.

High school students may encounter difficulties in their personal growth to maturity and there are times when it is beneficial to access the service of someone outside the immediate family. All counsellors are educated at the graduate level in Educational Psychology and are trained to provide this personal counselling. Peer relationships, poor school attendance, alcohol and drug involvement, bullying and feelings of depression are examples of issues counsellors are prepared to address.

Students work with the counsellors in selecting classes and timetables which are appropriate to their personal and career interests. Counsellors monitor students experiencing academic difficulty and assist them in developing a plan for improved success. Students demonstrating excellence in both academic and extra-curricular activities are encouraged to visit the high school counselling area for information regarding the availability of a variety of scholarships and bursaries.

Students' career exploration, awareness and decision making takes place throughout their high school career. They are given the opportunity to participate in career fairs, job shadowing, internal conventions, computerized career exploration programming, and university and technical school presentations and tours. They are invited on an individual basis to work with a counsellor to develop their own personal career path. Parents are encouraged to participate in this process with the adolescents.

In addition to the services provided by the guidance counsellors, personal counselling is provided by the school Chaplain. The Chaplain provides assistance in questions of faith, beliefs, values and moral behaviour which are sometimes of concern to adolescents.