Counsellor's Corner

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful summer. We are looking so forward to seeing our returning families and meeting all of our new ones. It's going to be another great year at Fultonvale!

My name is Nicole Walker and I am excited to be back part time this year as the school counsellor. I will be at school Monday mornings and all day on Tuesday and Thursday. I feel very lucky to be a part of the FTV community as an educator and parent.

As the school counsellor, I will support the emotional, social, and academic growth of all students. I will be visiting each classroom in the upcoming weeks to introduce myself and discuss my role in our school. If you would like support for your child, please feel free to contact me by phone 780-922-3058 ext. 3504 or email nicole.walker@eips.ca. Our goal is to help all students reach their full potential!

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

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.

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.

September topics include Parenting Strategies that Promote Positive Mental Health:

• Part 1: Increasing Wellness Deposits
• Part 2: Reducing Wellness Withdrawals

With students being online more and more, it’s important that parents/guardians are informed. SAFFRON has put together some great resources.

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