Student support offered

Well-being teams now working with Westisle students

Student well-being teams in the Westisle and Montague families of schools have helped more than 130 students since forming this September, providing valuable care and helping to prevent more serious issues. Students receive help from the teams with a variety of issues such as dealing with anxiety, improving attendance, and managing diabetes or eating disorders.

Since they started in September the two new teams have worked on 130 student referrals and co-ordinated several group sessions and educational initiatives.

The student well-being teams provide a coordinated approach to the delivery of social, health and justice supports to children, youth, and families within the school environment.

Each team includes a mental health therapist, two nurses, two school outreach workers, and a counseling consultant. Team members travel to each school in the family of schools, where space has been dedicated space for them to see students.

Provincial co-ordinator Geoff MacDonald said the teams empower children, youth and their families through resilience-building initiatives that help to prevent more serious mental health needs later.

“Our team members have an added advantage because most are from these communities,” he said. “Because they are well known and trusted in their communities, students and families are more likely to connect with them when they need help.”

Meetings are taking place this week to plan for teams in the Bluefield, Colonel Gray, Souris, and Morell families of schools next year.

“The teams are there to meet the needs of youth and families as early as possible and in the least intrusive manner,” said Education Minister Jordan Brown.

He said the teams were established because the district advisory councils – and the public through the school review – asked for more school mental health supports.

“By locating services in schools we are making them easier and more timely to access,” the minister said, “and preventing issues from escalating and impacting a student’s ability to succeed in school and later in life.”

Staff are also engaging with the French Language School Board to determine how best to meet the needs of all students. Once teams are in place at all Island schools over the next two years, they will be supported by provincial funding of more than $5 million per year.

More information on the teams is available at: www. princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-earlylearning-and-culture/studentwell-being-teams