Welcome back to another school year! I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my role at your school and introduce myself. My name is Donna Herrick, and as the Family School Liaison Counsellor, I am honored to be serving this community by helping children and families cope with difficulties they are experiencing in their lives. In many cases, I provide support and information through counselling sessions and/or class presentations. I also direct families as needed, to services outside the school community and make referrals to agencies such as Mental Health, psychological services, medical clinics, and social services. As a Christian, I am committed to offering care and support that honors Christ and cares deeply for individuals.
Some of the areas in which I support students and their families include:
To clear up any misconceptions, counseling is not a consequence or punishment for misbehaving students. Sometimes people are under the assumption that counselling is discipline for students, but the FSLC’s role is to provide behavior support and counsel to students, only after teachers have dealt with the initial behaviors. Teachers, principals, and parents may all refer students about whom they have concerns. Parents with children under the age of 16 must give their permission for services to commence, at which point an intake appointment will be scheduled. Students cannot be forced to see a counsellor; rather, the process is collaborative and non-threatening. Information gathered in counselling sessions is not automatically shared with teachers and/or parents and is subject to confidentiality laws. Permission to release information must be obtained before information can be shared with other parties.
The Family School Liaison Counsellors in Palliser School Division are responsible for more than one school. I currently serve at Brant Christian School and Heritage Christian Academy. My hours at Heritage are Tuesday to Thursday and alternating Mondays.
If you have any questions concerning counselling services, or if you would like to refer your child, please contact me, Donna Herrick, at 403-771-4350 or donna.herrick@pallisersd.ab.ca.
June 2010 Newsletter - "101 Things to do this Summer
May 2010 Newsletter - "How to Talk so Teens will Listen"
April 2010 Newsletter - "Hold On To Your Kids"
March 2010 Newsletter - "Helping Children Get Along With Friends"
February 2010 Newsletter - "Helping Your Child Develop Self Esteem"
January 2010 Newsletter - "Helping Kids Recognize, Manage and Express Feelings"
December 2009 Newsletter - "Stress: How to Cope"