October 2021 Newsletter
 
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SUPPORTING COUNSELLORS
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We have very quickly moved into fall, and hopefully all counsellors have been able to reconnect with students and build those relationships that we know foster resilience and a sense of belonging.  The resources below can help with this important work. 
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October - Be Here Now  (Chapter 5)
Habit: Be Here Now       
Disposition:  Humour
Learning to be in the present moment, without judging it, boosts our resilience.  It can allow us to feel accepting and clear headed about our options for response.  When we’re fully present, we’re more likely to find appropriate levity in moments of challenge and to relieve stress by finding humour in a situation. (Aguilar, 2018)
So we offer you this mantra for October:
Be. Here. Now. I am grounded, centered, and present. 
Chapter Reflection

How might being more fully in the present moment help you manage stress and build resilience?

How might mindfulness help you boost your cultural competence?

How might mindfulness help you fulfill your purpose?

What are you inclined to do or learn more about after reading this chapter?

We encourage you to discuss the chapter, share your thoughts, and even explore some of the exercises in the workbook at your staff meetings and/or school based team meetings.

Meditations (Link)
counsellors' Meetings:

One of our goals with our District Teams is to focus on supporting School Based Teams, and aligning aspects of our support for Learning Support Teachers and Counsellors.  With this goal in mind, and COVID safety measures still a consideration, we are planning for the following meetings, knowing that the in person options may shift to zoom:

*October 19th, 9 - 10:30am:
Counsellor meeting for all counsellors in GVSD.  Save the date calendar reminder has been sent (Zoom invite week prior). 

November 18th 8:45 - 11:30am:
Meeting for all members of School Based Teams.  Zoom or in person will be decided closer to event.

December 8th, 9 - 10:30:
Counsellor meeting for all counsellors in GVSD.  Save the date calendar reminder has been sent (hope meeting can be in person).
January 20th 8:45 - 11:30:
Meeting for all members of School Based Teams.  Zoom or in person will be decided closer to event.

*February 14th, 1 - 2:30pm:
Counsellor meeting for all counsellors in GVSD. Save the date calendar reminder has been sent (Zoom invite week prior).

March 2nd, 9 - 10:30am:
Counsellor meeting for all counsellors in GVSD.  Save the date calendar reminder has been sent (Zoom invite week prior). 
*April 12th, 9 - 10:30am:
Counsellor meeting for all counsellors in GVSD.  Save the date calendar reminder has been sent (Zoom invite week prior).

May12th 8:45 - 11:30am:
Meeting for all members of School Based Teams.  Zoom or in person will be decided closer to event.

June 9th, 9 - 10:30am:
Counselling meeting for all counsellors in GVSD.  Save the date calendar reminder has been sent and we  hope to have this meeting in person.  

* Oct 19th, Feb 14th and April 12th were scheduled as teacher counsellor collaboration days, but at this time, we have shifted them to all counsellor meetings due to safety protocols

community resources:
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Updated Community Resources:

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October Snapshots cover the topics of decision making and substance use. 
Early Learning and Elementary - Helping Children Develop Decision Making Skills
Middle- Youth and Substance Use
Secondary - Youth and Substance Use
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Generation Health:  Free 10 week Program to help families increase health eating and physical activity

The Generation Health program has been designed for families with children aged 8 to 12 years-old who are off the healthy weight trajectory, meaning their Body Mass Index (BMI) for age is above the 85th percentile. However, this is not a weight loss program.

Each week there is a live virtual group session and a self-directed online e-session that families 
Weekly group sessions include family time, parent only discussion time and family physical activity time. The program is currently being presented over Zoom
Topics include:
• Introduction to healthy eating and active living
• Setting goals and using effective rewards
• Healthy body image and self-esteem, managing stress and active living for everybody
• Creating positive family mealtimes and physical activity experiences
• cooking and playing together
• Positive parenting
No formal medical referral is required

Families can find out more information at www.generationhealth.ca

They can register by calling Toll Free 
1-888-650-3141 
or email info@generationhealth.ca
Highlighted Resources
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Key Principles and Strategies for K - 12 Mental Health Promotion in Schools

During the summer, the Ministry of Education published this document that identifies the Mental Health in Schools strategy that focuses on Compassionate Systems Leadership, Capacity Building and Mental Health in the Classroom. All elements of the strategy apply the following key principles:

-Cultural Responsiveness
-Proportionate Responses and Supports
-Trauma Informed Practices
-Strengths Based Approaches

The document then identifies actions and resources connected to these three themes and four principles. 

 

 

 

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Professional development:
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Wednesday, October 22 
(Registration Link: School Implementation of Collaborative and Proactive Solutions 

Are you hoping to implement Collaborative & Proactive Solutions in your school but are not sure where to begin? Where a majority of the training we have available focuses on the CPS model itself, this interactive workshop opportunity is designed to help customize the implementation of CPS in your specific school setting.

Ryan Gleason, M. Ed., is a current school administrator in Maine and has led CPS implementation work for the past twelve years. His experience with the model in schools has been featured in Dr. Greene's book "Lost and Found" and the award-winning documentary "The Kids We Lose." This training will focus on current educational issues, trends, and research to support a lasting CPS implementation in your school
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Free Second Step Webinars Oct. 1-7 (Link)

Attend our live webinars and connect with experts to learn how Second Step® programs can help you create a safe and supportive school community with social-emotional skills, bullying prevention, and child protection. For current Second Step educators, we‘re offering professional development webinars to support your social-emotional learning (SEL) implementation.
Consult   Collaboration:

Mark your calendars! 

Consultation and Collaboration Days - CYMH 

Category H - Intensive Behaviour Intervention/Serious Mental Health to be held virtually through telephone consults on November 15th & 17th, 2021. (more information with time, requirements, and sign-up to follow later this month) - Keep your eyes out for it!

Peter Monk, VCYMH, Ned Jackson, SCYMH, Chadi Akouri, ICYMH will be available to engage with Case Managers. Please contact Dana Marchant with any questions.
pathways   partnerships:
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Research shows the importance of starting career education as early as possible to challenge gender stereotypes, bring learning to life and broaden children's aspirations. Pathways & Partnerships is excited to get back to work this year.

Our team includes:
Lindsay Johnson- VP Pathways & Partnerships,
Kevin Blecic- Youth Work in Trades Coordinator and Bonnie Alexander- District Career Education Coordinator, Elementary and Middle Schools.
 
Pathways & Partnerships offers Camosun & UVic dual credit courses and programs in the trades, technology, business, health, horticulture, fine arts and more. 
There are passionate Career Education Coordinators and Pathways teachers in the secondary schools ready to offer students personalized support. Please encourage them to visit their Career Centre to get more information about post sec programs, work experience opportunities and tools for career exploration. .
ICA: resources for youth

ICA offers one-on-One Support and the following program options for different age groups. 

For more information, please contact:

Nabeela Ramji, Settlement Youth Worker
250-388-4728 ext. 107 or nramji@icavictoria.org

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Referral Process to District Team (Referral for Collaborative Support)

District Collaborative Support Referral

All Referrals to the District team will now occur through the District App, found on the Support for Learning site on our District page.  Please use the link in the title to access the instruction page.  Schools will need to complete the SBT Planning Sheet and submit, along with other supporting documentation for District support including, but not limited to DBT, observations, OT/PT referrals, ICM support etc.  
District Outreach Transition Support Workers:
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Meet your Team

District Counselling Team Contact Info:

Secondary District Counsellor:                  Jennifer Chambers              jchambers@sd61.bc.ca            

Middle District Counsellor:                       Monique Moore                     mmoore@sd61.bc.ca               

Elementary District Counsellor:                 Maureen von Tigerstrom     mvontigerstrom@sd61.bc.ca

Youth & Family District Counsellor:           Jen Aston                              jaston@sd61.bc.ca    

Indigenous District Counsellor                  Joanne Mitchell                      jomitchell@sd61.bc.ca 
             

Additional Members of the District Mental Health Team:

District Behaviour Consultant:                      Dana Marchant                       dmarchant@sd61.bc.ca

District Principal:                                       Pam Halverson                      phalverson@sd61.bc.ca

Associate Superintendent:                           Harold Caldwell                      hcaldwell@sd61.bc.ca
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Jennifer Chambers Secondary

Supporting schools and families with students who have complex emotional, behavioural, mental health & Substance use needs

SBT support throughout year for Secondary teams

Tri District Collaboration with Community partners for student support (i.e. Discovery, CYMH, Police) and to develop consistent interventions (VTRA, CIRT, Pro D for counsellors)

Mental Health Safety plans

Integrated case management meetings

Collaboration with District levelled Teams (Secondary), Complex Problem Solving Team and District Support Teams

Collaborating and connecting with community agencies to support students

VTRA (Assessments and training), Safer Schools Co-cordinator

Principal Review Committee and Diversion for Secondary

District based team meetings for Secondary (includes any referrals for Alternative Programs)

Collaborate and coordinate with middle/elementary district counsellor for counsellor collaborations and professional development (Refresher Series)

Monthly social emotional wellbeing snapshots for secondary school

Team and District Lead for CIRT including yearly training for staff
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Monique Moore Middle

Supporting schools and families with students who have complex emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs

SBT support throughout year for Middle teams

Student observation and creation of student support plans to guide programming needs

Mental Health Safety plans

Integrated case management meetings

Collaboration with District levelled Teams (Middle), Complex Problem Solving Team and District Support Teams

Collaborating and connecting with community agencies to support students

VTRA

Principal Review Committee - Middle

District based team meetings for middle, and grade 9 (grade 9 DBT’s include any transitions to Alternative programs)

Collaborate and coordinate with district counsellors for Counsellor Collaborations and professional development

Monthly social emotional wellbeing snapshots for middle school

Staff professional development in Mental Health Literacy as well as CPI

Member of District CIRT


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Maureen von Tigerstrom
Elementary

Supporting schools and families with students who have complex emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs

SBT support throughout year for Elementary teams

Student observation and creation of student support plans to guide programming needs

Mental Health Safety plans

Integrated case management meetings

Collaboration with District levelled Teams (Elementar), Complex Problem Solving Team and District Support Teams

Collaborating and connecting with community agencies to support students

VTRA

Principal Review Committee - Elementary

District based team meetings for elementary

Collaborate and coordinate with district counsellors for Counsellor Collaborations and professional development

Monthly social emotional wellbeing snapshots for elementary school

Staff professional development in Second Step (SEL) 

Member of District CIRT


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Jen Aston:
District YFC

Supporting schools and families with students who have complex emotional, behavioural, mental health and substance use needs. 

Youth and Family  support for schools without a school- based YFC counsellor.

District Team for supporting Children in Care Plans and partnership with Ministry of Children and Families.

District lead for facilitation of Y Teen Mindfulness Training for Counsellors and teachers.

Counselling support for youth and families not currently connected to a school or who didn't "land" through DBT processes. 

Co-facillitation of annual Connect Parent Group for parents of secondary students who have accessed District Based Team Supports. 

Individualized transition plans for students moving from elementary to middle or middle to Secondary School.

Integrated case management meetings

Collaborating and connecting with community agencies to support students

Collaboration with District levelled Teams (Elementary, Middle and Secondary), Complex Solving Team and District Support Teams

District Team supporting Social Emotional Wellness Advocates in Schools through professional development and ongoing support
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Joanne Mitchell:  District Indigenous Counsellor

As District Indigenous Counsellor,  Joanne is passionate about incorporating authentic learning about Indigenous issues into our schools.

She feels it is important to understand a full spectrum of Indigenous perspectives: the history of Indigenous dispossession and trauma; the strength and resiliency of the culture; and, to present the beauty and intricacies of Indigenous worldview.

With other members of her team, she strives to wrap our children in the protection of cultural strength and identity, and inform a new generation of learners about the importance of Truth and Reconciliation.

The Indigenous team is here to create a vision for our district to move towards reconciliation by providing guidance and support to public educators to seek out authentic voices, unpack colonial theories, and find the confidence to move forward in our vision where reconciliation can be felt both personally and professionally.
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