Counsellor's Corner
My name is Karen Gay and I am the Inclusive Education Facilitator at Ecole Parc. My role includes counselling, child advocacy, school-based consultation, coordination of services and educational programming. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about your child's programming or well-being via phone (780)998-3741 or email: karen.gay@eips.ca
My hours for Ecole Parc during the 2018 -2019 school year are:
Mondays: 9:30am-12:30pm
Wednesdays: 9:30am-3:10pm
Supporting Parents
Bullying Awareness Week: November 18-22, 2019
Focus: Healthy Relationships
We recognized November 18-22, 2019 as Bullying Awareness Week. When working with kids our focus every year is building positive relationships with students and helping students build positive relationships with each other. Bullying Awareness is not something we address during one week out of the year. We collaborate proactively with kids to build on the positive things that happen each and every day. We work to address what needs to be addressed when things get off track. We spend important time providing opportunities to make positive connections with each other and learn to communicate positively and effectively. This is important. It is deliberate and ongoing. It is also very rewarding.
Using the correct language when speaking about Bullying is also very important. We need to be modelling correct language when teaching children. The following is a short video that provides a good definition of Rude, Mean and Bullying behaviours. It is worth checking out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w00ZWhhXGwQ
We were fortunate to have SAFFRON Centre come to do presentations with the students. They spoke to the children about
What are boundaries?
These are limits and rules; what is okay or not okay for you
Important message: We need to respect the boundaries of others
Boundaries can include: physical, emotional, online
It is important to share your boundaries with others and listen for others' boundaries
Why do people push boundaries?
Others are learning your boundaries
Others don't know they are pushing boundaries
Others don't understand/respect your boundaries
Conversation Starter: I don't like it when ______ because ______. I feel ______.
Communication is a key foundation to developing and maintaining healthy relationships with others.
Upcoming Parent Sessions:
Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society
To register for the following sessions (except Parenting Together session), please call 780-998-5595 ext 221 for more information.
Kids Have Stress Too
This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers better understand childhood stress and how to provide children with tools to deal with stress more effectively.
Triple P: Positive Parenting Programs: Triple P Seminar Series
Two hour workshops with practical parenting ideas - topics include:
The Power of Positive Parenting
Raising Confident and Competent Children
Raising Resilient Children
Triple P Discussion Group
Discussion groups are 2 hour sessions that offer practical advice to parents dealing with specific behaviours. Sessions available include:
Dealing with Disobedience
Bedtime Routines
Managing Fighting and Aggression
Triple P Grourp
This group is 8 weeks long, 5 in-class and 3 telephone sessions. Parents are asked to set specific goals for their family and learn practical tools to reach those goals.
Handle With Care
Interactive program that helps parents and caregivers support the mental health of young children from 0-6 years
Topics include: Building Trust/Attachment, Promotion and enhancing self-esteem, Expression emotions, Relationships with others.
Parenting Together
A group for parents who want to improve their relationship with each other and with their children. Free supper!
Wednesdays 4:30pm-7:30pm, 9901-90 Street
For the Parenting Together sessions, please call Ashley to register: 780-998-5595 ext 232
Community Connections
Psychologist Association Referral Line 1-888-424-0297
Alberta Health Services Children Youth & Families Addiction and Mental Health Community Services Intake Services 780-342-2701
Intake Services provide a single point of access to children's mental health services and support for children and youth ages 5-17 years of age and their families residing within Edmonton and area who require mental health assessment and treatment. A telephone screening interview is conducted by a mental health therapist. Based on the information received and the availability of other community resources a decision will be made regarding the appropriate service.
Alberta Health Services Adult Intake 780-342-2388
Local Support:
Primary Care Network 780-997-0046 www.albertaheartlandpcn.com
Offers free services in Fort Saskatchewan; no referral required
Fort Saskatchewan Mental Health Clinic 780-342-2388
Boys & Girls Club 780-992-0103 www.fortsask.bgccan.com
City of Fort Saskatchewan Family and Community Support Services 780-992-6767
Subsidized Counselling 780-992-6267
Family School Liaison Program 780-992-6267
Youth and Family Services 780-992-6265
Families First Society 780-998-5595 ext. 221 www.familiesfirstsociety.ca
Programs for parents and their young children to play and learn together; programs for parents and caregivers; family support for those impacted by family violence, baby loss or a shoulder to lean on
Crisis Support:
Support Network 211
Health Link 811
Victim's Services 780-992-6126
Child Protection Emergencies 1-800-387-5437
Family Violence Crisis Line 780-464-7233
Toll Free 1-877-252-7233
Human Services Child and Family Services Division 780-998-6762
Other Emergency Contacts:
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)
Children's Mental Health Crisis Line 780-427-4491
Emergency Shelter, Food, Transportation 1-866-644-5137
Adult Mental Health Community Urgent Services and Stabilization Team 780-342-7777