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
Test Anxiety Group
Tis' the season students start to think about exams in January. This can be a stressful time, but there are strategies that students can learn to manage their stress. The Strathcona Christian Secondary school counsellor, Nadine Lennox, is running a 10 week group every Monday at lunch from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm in the counsellor’s office (Rm 203) from December 2 - February 24, 2020 to learn and practice strategies to reduce stress during exams.
Strathcona County Parent and Caregiver Skill Building Workshops
Strathcona County is running Parent and Caregiver Skill Building Workshops in December and January. The following workshops are titled:
Parent Skill Building: Anxiety - Dec. 11
Parent Workshop: Family Restructuring - Jan. 8 Connect Parent: A program to help parents connect with their teen and build stronger relationships - Jan. 20
Parent Workshop: Stress - Jan. 22
Please follow the link below for more details.
Bullying Awareness Week in November
In November, our school participated in Bullying Awareness Week. During this week, students explored:
What Is Bullying?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUAbAKee0Cw
Bullying is Repetitive, Intentional and Mean
What should we do about it when it happens?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oKjW1OIjuw
Bullying is usually a problem with an imbalance of power. If you hear someone talk negatively about another person behind their back, you can do one of the following things:
- If you have a lot of power in the group, you can tell the person who is participating in bullying to stop.
- If you have less power, you can just say something nice about the victim.
- Another move for the less powerful person, would be to change the subject.
- If you have very little power in the group, you can tell a trusted adult, privately.
If someone is being bullied in front of you, you can:
- Stand by their side and suggest "Do you want to walk with me to my locker?" or "Do you want to join us?"
- Tell an adult
What is Empathy?: If we can know how someone else feels, we are less likely to bully.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_q-o8
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123889886@N02/15071711355
How do we create a positive environment in our school?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO7_WX-gyVU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5yCOSHeYn4
How can we build other people up in our school community?
Lead 9 students visited each classroom and led an activity on encouraging each other.
What are bullying supports that can be accessed?
- Talk to an adult (adult family member or school staff member)
- Bullying Helping (24 hr) 1-888-456-2323
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
Counselling in Sherwood Park
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
Saffron Centre
SAFFRON Centre Ltd. is a non-profit organization located in Sherwood Park working to support the healing and empowerment of those who have been affected by sexual violence.
https://www.saffroncentre.com/
(780) 449-0900
CASASC 24hr Crisis Line: Call or Text 1-866-956-1099
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.
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.
