From the Counsellor’s Corner…

It is hoped that through the resources available in Student Services, students will be better informed and able to make appropriate decisions for themselves now and in the future.  Parents are invited to discuss any matter of concern by contacting:

                                   Mrs. Nadine Lennox - Jr. and Sr. High Counsellor

nadine.lennox@eips.ca

                           

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is May 6th-10th. In preparation, school staff have had three hours of mental health training. The whole school also celebrated Bell Let’s Talk Day and Hats on For Mental Health Day. Students have been encouraged that “It’s okay, if you’re not okay. Just tell someone.” Also, mental health discussions have been initiated in classes and at the “First” ceremonies throughout the year. A “First” is held on specific Monday mornings throughout the year. It is a time for us to get together as a community to connect and pray together. Teen Mental Health (www.teenmentalhealth.org) recommends that if educators observe significant symptoms and impairment in a student’s functioning at school, best practice is to work with parents to provide on-going support and possibly provide helpful information to parents if a referral to outside supports is in the best interest of the student. Mental health referrals are important, if symptoms of mental disorders are observed. Sometimes, however, mental distress and problems are causing some symptoms to emerge. If a student is experiencing mental distress (i.e. multiple tests and assignments due), there are things that students can do to re-charge and become resilient like sleep, exercise, wholesome food, sunshine, socialization, prayer, and worship. During the “First” and in Bible classes this week, we will be addressing what to do if students are experiencing symptoms beyond mental distress. We will also be giving students opportunities to engage in some of the resiliency building activities during lunch hour this week. Please encourage engagement and conversation about these important topics at home.

HELP Contacts

Kids Help Phone

Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Text: TALK to 686868

Live Chat Counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca

Canada Suicide Prevention Service:

Toll-free 1-833-4564566

Text: 456445

Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (albertahealthservices.ca)

Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323 (bullyfreealberta.ca)

Children's Mental Health Crisis Line: 780-427-4491 (albertahealthservices.ca)

The Distress Line: 780-482-4357

 

 

 

Is your mental health being impacted right now?

Strathcona County offers counselling through Family and Community Services. No appointment is necessary and you are encouraged to only "pay what you can afford, starting at $0." You can walk in on:

Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

For more information:

https://www.strathcona.ca/community-families/well-being-and-mental-health/counselling/

200, 501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park, Alberta

Alberta Health Services

If you need to address mental health concerns, contact Alberta Health Services at the following numbers:

  • Health Link: 811 (24 hours/ 7 days a week)
  • Addictions Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (24/7)
  • Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)

albertahealthservices.ca

 

Hats ON! for Mental Health Day

Hats ON! For Mental Health

Hats ON! For Mental Health

Hats On! for Mental Health Day

On May 1, 2019, Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. Participating schools will relax their hat rules and encourage students and teachers to build understanding by wearing hats to school. Students will also participate in a coordinated lesson on understanding mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses. 

https://youtu.be/Zdxi038bHgk

 

Educational Counselling

  • Support for students with special needs
  • Selection of courses
  • Program planning
  • Graduation requirements
  • Tutoring lists
  • Outside referrals

School Counselling

Parent Connect Group

Posted on August 30th, 2017

Strathcona County is starting a new group for parents of teens (aged 13-18) called Connect Parenting. This is a 10-week program supporting parents and caregivers of teens with behavioural and emotional problems. The first session is September 20 and includes a light supper. Interested parents should contact Lisa Watters or Brad Oates (780-464-4044 or familyandcommunity@strathcona.ab.ca) for more information or to register.