Counsellor's Corner
Saffron Presentations
Saffron's education team is coming to our school on Tuesday, October 29, to present age-appropriate education on boundaries and internet safety. The following presentations will be delivered to each class:
Kindergarten: Llamas Spit
A story-led presentation for young students to begin the conversation on boundaries and understanding feelings of fear and discomfort.
Topics Covered: feelings of being scared or uncomfortable, different responses to things we do not like (fight, flight, and freeze), trusted adults, and boundaries.
Grades 1 & 2: Percy's Got a Bubble!
A story-led presentation for young students to begin the conversation on healthy boundaries.Topics Covered: boundaries and personal space, talking to trusted adults, breathing and handling big feelings, and a brief introduction to online boundaries.
Grades 3-6: The Basics- Internet Safety
A mini presentation with a hands-on interactive component to help students understand how they can practice safe Internet use when gaming and using social media.
Topics Covered: Internet safety, integrity, safety features (Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, YouTube, Google, gaming), cyberbullying, empathy, online scams, trusted adults, private accounts, and personal information.
Grades 7-9: Internet Safety Essentials- Privacy, Autonomy, & Security
A presentation on the essentials for online safety, privacy, and security. The presentation also covers the consequences of our digital footprints & provides strategies for cultivating a positive one.
Topics Covered: Online privacy, digital footprints, , location settings, friends vs. strangers online, chatrooms, cyberbullying, sexting, and the law.
Internet & Technology
With students being online more and more, it’s important that parents/guardians are informed. Saffron has put together some great resources.
Co-Regulation Strategies
We are focusing on bringing co-regulation strategies from our Reset Room into our classrooms. Building these patterned, repetitive, and rhythmic activities into our day helps to steady the bottom part of our brain, allowing our cortex to be activated, which makes learning easier!
For the next couple of months, we will be introducing two new co-regulation strategies in our monthly assembly. Classes will practice these strategies in school and we encourage you to try them at home. We will do a draw for fun prizes at our next assembly for all those that participated. Our goal is to use co-regulation strategies throughout the day to give our students' nervous systems a reset.
Parent Education & Resources
AHS Parent & Caregiver Education
Alberta Health Services offers free mental health resources and virtual mental health education sessions for parents and caregivers who support children and youth. There are also sessions for adults looking to support their own wellness.
October series is Understanding Anxiety:
- Part 1: An Introduction
- Part 2: Calming Our Bodies
- Part 3: Settling Our Minds
- Part 4: Overcoming Avoidance
Family & Community Services
Family Resource Network
The local Family Resource Network is a partnership between Strathcona County's Family and Community Services, Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The FRN offers free programs and services for families with children and youth ages 0-18 years, including:
- Programs to support healthy child development
- Reliable parenting information
- Connection to other local resources
Counselling & Solutions Navigation
Family and Community Services offers Counselling and Solutions Navigation support. FCS offers walk-in, virtual, and over the phone counselling using a pay what you can afford model. You will be connected to the next available counsellor. The Solutions Navigation team will listen and help you figure out solutions to challenges in your life. Navigation is free to access.
To access these services, call 780-464-4044 or visit them on the second floor of the Community Centre at 401 Festival Lane. Use the following links for more information.
Safe & Healthy Halloween
Strathcona County is supporting a safe and healthy Halloween for all trick-or-treaters this year through free recreation passes to local youth, Halloween events, and creating an accessible Halloween for everyone. Click the link for more details.
Mystery at the Museum
October 2-31
Strathcona County Museum
Explore the museum, solve clues, and unravel a suspenseful mystery. Admission by donation.
Ardrossan Halloween Skate
Sunday, October 27 @1:00-3:00
Ardrossan Recreation Complex
Free skate for all ages! Helmets are recommended. Skate aids are available. Children under 8Y must be accompanied by someone 14Y+.
Read In Week
Community Programs & Events
Important Support Numbers
Kids Help Phone-1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
Community Resources-211 or Text INFO to 211
Mental Health Helpline-1-877-303-2642
Crisis Text Line- Text CONNECT to 741741
Health Link-811
Income Support-Alberta Support Centre 1-877-644-9992 or 24 Hour Support 1-866-644-5135
Family Violence-Find Support-Call or Text 780-310-1818
Talk Suicide Canada-Call or Text 988