District Principal Karen Chrenek and Registered Psychologist Heather Craigdallie led the annual Inclusive Education report to the Board.
Noting the value of prevention programs for youth to reduce the rates of behavioural, social, academic and psychological problems later on, Ms. Craigdaillie outlined how PWPSD Community School Liaison Counsellor (CSLC) team members work one-on-one with students, run groups, provide classroom presentations, offer support to teachers and families, and bridge the gap between home and school.
This year alone, the team has made 212 individual referrals, offered 869 supports to parents and/or teachers, and provided more than 100 presentations.
"Within the schools CSLCs cover, they are reaching a really wide breadth of PWPSD's school population," added Ms. Craigdallie.
The CSLC team introduced three new initiatives since September.
The PWPSD Wellness Pyramid is a four-tier assessment tool designed to better meet the needs of students and staff. Part of PWPSD's Three-Year Wellness Plan, the pyramid model offers supports for students and staff.
The team set a goal that every student should have a positive connection with at least one adult. A pilot project launched at Beaverlodge Regional High School this year saw teachers answering five questions to indicate their knowledge of students. Outcomes from the survey were used to create a "connection score" for each student, and helped teachers identify trends and develop steps to increase connection. The initiative has since been replicated at a number of PWPSD schools.
Mental Health Mondays, a monthly e-newsletter for PWPSD staff, is a new CSLC-led initiative launched this school year to support wellness outcomes for staff and students. Ms. Chrenek said CSLCs are seeing the ripple effects of this piece. "Our schools are starting staff meetings with topics covered in the newsletter and teachers are also using the self-care tips in their health classes."
The team also provides crisis support to staff and students at PWPSD schools who may be experiencing grief following the death of a student or staff member.
Two accredited practitioners offer Triple P: Family Parent Educational Program supports and strategies to all PWPSD schools, ranging from parenting sessions to intensive family interventions.
Future plans include developing a survey for schools to create their own wellness plans.
About the CSLC team:
PWPSD’s six-member CSLC team and contracted service providers offer social-emotional interventions to children and youth at PWPSD schools. Feedback from teachers, parents and students is overwhelmingly positive. The CSLC program was initially funded by the now defunct Classroom Improvement Fund. Recognizing the needs in the area and the value of the program, the PWPSD Board approved a budget to ensure service continuity, along with funded support from Birch Hills County, Saddle Hills County, the M.D. of Greenview and the County of Grande Prairie FCSS.
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