We are committed to supporting the overall wellbeing of our students and this includes resources and tools to support mental heath and academic counselling. The following areas are available to students at HCA and we encourage you to make yourself familiar with the supports available to you.
Support + Counselling
FSLC (Family School Liaison Counsellor)
The FSLC role is specific to supporting students in their socio-emotional, mental health to ensure school success as best as possible. If you feel you have students that could use this support, it is brief therapy where 6-8 sessions are offered to support students with concerns such as, worry, anxiety, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationship challenges, communication skills, social skills, and others... that may be impacting their day to day life and their ability to perform and participate in school. 1-2 drop-in sessions are offered to elementary students and 2-3 for secondary students (drop-in schedule is posted on the FSLC's office door #117).
OR Phone: 403-219-3201
Welcome message from HCA's FSLC
Hello! My name is Claire Fan, and I am the Family School Liaison Counsellor at Heritage Christian Academy for the 2022/2023 school year. My Bachelor's degree is Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the Faculty of Education and my Master's degree is in Social Work with clinical specialization. I have a variety of experiences working with students and their families with mental health needs in school and community settings.
Please understand my heart and desire to support all students as best as I am able while equally honouring the referrals that are a part of my caseload. This will mean I will need to prioritize cases according to urgency and will do my best to ensure that the support required is received.
FSLCs provide counselling support to students and families and when appropriate, we also direct families to outside services. In many cases, we provide support and information through consultation and may make referrals to agencies such as; Mental health services, psychological services, medical clinics, and social services. In addition to counselling, we offer classroom presentations on various topics aimed at supporting student’s mental, emotional, social and behavioural wellness so that they may achieve their optimal potential in all areas.
How Services are Accessed...
Counselling is accessed on a referral basis. Teachers, principals, and parents may refer students about whom they have concerns, and parents must give their permission for services to commence, at which point an intake appointment will be scheduled. At times, a student may seek out counselling personally, in which case, we are able to meet with a child once before a referral by a parent or teacher is given and an intake appointment and parental consent is provided.
Making Connections Worker
Alyssa Blake is the Making Connections Worker at Heritage Christian Academy. Her background is in Psychology, she is a Child and Youth Care Counsellor and has over ten years experience supporting students in schools. She is passionate about mental health and loves working with children and youth to promote social and emotional wellbeing. Her office is located in the elementary wing, and will be at the school on Mondays and Wednesdays.
A bit about the role:
The Making Connections Worker promotes social and emotional learning as well as increased connections between school, family and community resources. A lot of the ways the Connections Worker serves our school community is through spending time and connecting with students.
The Connections Worker provides social/emotional skill building for students in any grade through small group work with students. Some of the small group topics offered include friendship, empathy, self-esteem, self-regulation, conflict management, social skills, coping skills, growth mindset, general wellness, and the list goes on! Your child’s teacher may make a referral - Please feel free to let the teacher know if you would like a referral for your child.
Additionally, the Connections Worker is available for family support that might include: Helping families find Christian counsellors or psychologists, helping families get connected to affordable counselling options, support with referrals, finding support for economic needs, school referrals to the FSLC, help finding supportive summer camps or other community connections, etc.
If you would like to get in touch with the Making Connections Worker, you can email her at alyssa.blake@pallisersd.ab.
Learning Commons / Career & Academic Counsellor
Make an Appointment
Students interested in information or support to plan their course schedules and better understand the requirements for post-secondary programs, can make an appointment with Mrs. Meipoom-Jones. Stop in the Learning Commons during the school day or email HERE
Tools & Resources
Please visit the palliseroffcampus.ca website for helpful tools and resources including:
- Calendar of university fairs and open house events
- Career and Academic resources including scholarships and financial aid
My Blueprint
Take advantage of the helpful resources in myBlueprint.ca/palliser, including the high school planner, post secondary planner, occupation planner and online assessments. Students can log in with their school email. Parents can also set up an account - email Mrs. Meipoom-Jones for instructions.
Post-Secondary Open House Calendar
Making decisions about post-secondary education is a challenge. Touring campuses and talking to people first hand about programs, admissions requirements and scholarships can be a huge help. Check out the Open House Calendar below.
Off Campus Teacher / Career & Academic Counsellor
Make an Appointment
Sign up for an appointment regarding work experience and dual-credit with Mrs. Foster at cfoster.youcanbook.me.
Tools & Resources
Please visit the palliseroffcampus.ca website for helpful tools and resources including:
- Dual Credit course details and application instructions
My Blueprint
Take advantage of the helpful resources in myBlueprint.ca/palliser, including the high school planner, post secondary planner, occupation planner and online assessments. Students can log in with their school email. Parents can also set up an account - email Mrs. Foster for instructions.
Social Media
Follow us on social media for up-to-date information - @palliseroffcampus on Facebook and Instagram, and @prsoffcampus on Twitter.
Post-Secondary Open House Calendar
Making decisions about post-secondary education is a challenge. Touring campuses and talking to people first hand about programs, admissions requirements and scholarships can be a huge help. Check out the Open House Calendar below.
Student & Parent Resources
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Kids Health: www.kidshealth.org
- Teen Health: http://kidshealth.org/teen/
- Help Phone: www.kidshelpphone.ca
ANXIETY
- Anxiety BC: www.anxietybc.com
- What to do when you worry too much: https://dentonllc.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/what-to-do-when-you-worry-too-much-a-kids-guide-to-overcoming-anxiety.pdf
- Anxiety Prescription: http://fcrc-test.otherorange.com/health-information/library/information-prescriptions/anxiety/
- Apps For Anxiety: http://www.adam.mb.ca/blog/apps-for-anxiety
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises - You Tube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaTDNYjk-Gw
- Automatic Thoughts - YouTube Wellcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2zRA5zCA6M
FREE EDUCATION SESSIONS/WORKSHOPS
- Family & Community Resource Centre: http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/ces.php
FRIENDSHIP
- Strengthening peer relationships: http://www.snipsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Inclusion-Tool-Kit-Part-6_Lets-Play_-Activities-That-Strengthen-Peer-Relationships.pdf
MENTAL HEALTH ARTICLES
- Stigma and Discrimination: http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/stigma-and-discrimination/
- Study: Impact of unaddressed mental health issues on students is severe: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/09/19/study-impact-of-unaddressed-mental-health-issues-on-students-is-severe/
PARENTING
- Dr. Ross Green's Collaborative Problem Solving Approach: http://www.livesinthebalance.org/
- Focus on the Family: www.focusonthefamily.ca
- Special Time: A time for connecting with your child: http://www.kathyeugster.com/articles/article001.htm
- How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk: http://www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us/uploads/2/6/5/2/26525259/how-to-talk-so-kids-will-listen.pdf
- 5 tips for a positive relationship with your teen: http://www.familyshare.com/parenting/5-tips-for-a-positive-relationship-with-your-teen