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! I am Mrs. Claire Fan, and I am the Family School Liaison Counsellor at HCA. My Bachelor's degree is in 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 social, emotional, physical and mental health-related needs in school and community settings over the years, and I am also a parent to three children, so I understand the challenges students and parents may encounter in different seasons of life.
FSLCs provide drop-in and short term counselling support in the school to students and families. When appropriate, we also direct families to internal and/or external support and services, such as, longer term mental health support, psychological services, skill building groups, medical clinics, and social services. There may be times that FSLC partners with our Making Connections Worker to offer classroom presentations or materials 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/guardians may refer students when needs arise, for example: A recent change/transition in family life, symptoms of anxiety or worries, needing skills to cope with stress and various emotions, etc. Once you have filled out the referral form (below), FSLC will contact you via phone or in-person for an intake appointment to better understand your child's needs. At times, a student may seek out counselling personally, in which case, we are able to meet with a student 1-2 times before a referral by a parent or teacher is given and/or an intake appointment and parental consent is provided.
Please understand my heart and desire to support students as best as I am able to, while honouring all the referrals that are a part of my caseload. This means that I need to prioritize cases according to urgency and needs, and I will do my best to ensure support is received in a timely manner.
Click for Referral Form (NEW form 2023-2024)
If your child is in need of counselling support as soon as possible, please contact the Distress Centre at 403.266.4357 (24/7), or visit in-person for a free single session counselling at The Summit - AHS Owerko Family Walk In Services
Find out More about The Summit
Making Connections Worker
Hi there! My name is Hailey Peters and I am the Making Connections Worker (MCW) for Heritage Christian Academy. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as a Human Services Certificate and I’m passionate about helping students build their social and emotional skills in a way that glorifies God. I’m excited to be part of the HCA team as we equip your children to build a solid identity in Christ while learning how to build meaningful relationships and navigate the pressures of life.
As a Making Connections Worker, I am a part of Palliser’s Family School Liaison Program. I work to promote social and emotional learning (SEL) as well as increase connections between school, family and community resources. Some of the ways in which I serve our school community are by connecting families to other mental health community resources as well as providing social/emotional skill building through small group work with students. Some of the small group topics I offer include friendship, empathy, perspective-taking, self-regulation, conflict management, social skills, coping skills, general wellness… the list goes on! Your child’s teacher is welcome to make a referral to me - Please feel free to let the teacher know if you would like a referral for your child.
A bit about me: I was born and raised in Vancouver and recently moved to Calgary with my friendly little cockapoo, Finley. When I’m not at HCA, I love being active, going on adventures outside, spending time with friends, and learning more about Jesus! My favourite part of being in Calgary has been soaking in the beautiful blue sky and gorgeous sunsets, but I’m still preparing myself for the chilly winters here. Thankfully, Finley loves the snow!
Please feel free to email meif you have any questions. I look forward to connecting with you!
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