By Angela Thiele, MC
Just a quick note to introduce myself and the Family School Liaison Counsellor Program. My name is Angela Thiele and I am the Family School Liaison Counsellor (FSLC). For those of you who are not familiar with the program, the FSLC program offers confidential counselling support to students experiencing difficulties at home or at school.
What Do Family School Liaison Counsellors do?
- work with students and their families to solve difficulties that may occur at home, at school, or within the community
- facilitate communication between family and school
- provide students with individual counselling support
- liaise with outside community agencies
- assist families in accessing additional community resources
- advocate for students and parents
Typical Referral Issues
Typical referral issues include:
1. School Issues: inappropriate school behaviour, poor social skills, poor attendance
2. Family Issues: family breakdown, death/illness, parent/teen conflict, etc.
3. Social/Emotional Issues: peer relationships, substance abuse, self-esteem, depression, etc.
4. Behavioural Issues: aggression, anger, etc.
How to Access the Family School Liaison Program
Parents can request FSLC support by contacting the Family School Liaison Counsellor (Mrs. Thiele) or any school personnel (Principal, Vice-Principal, teachers, etc.).
Informed Consent
Family School Liaision Counsellors can meet with a student once without parental consent. After this time written consent is required for students under the age of 16 to access FSLC services. Consent is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.
What does the Guidance Counsellor do? Ms. Morck, our guidance counselor wears many hats!
Some of the services offered to students include:
- Personal counselling and class choices/changes.
- Supervising and organizing ‘Off- Campus’ learning which includes Work Experience, Green Certificate and the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
- Graduation planning, and post-secondary or vocational planning. She can discuss with students and parents the best paths for success when planning for graduation including academic upgrading and meeting post-secondary requirements.
- Encouraging students to volunteer in the community and connects able bodied students with community agencies and /or individuals.
Check out the bulletin boards outside her office. Grade 12’s should check regularly. They include great info about Scholarships, Job Announcements and info about post-secondary open houses.
How To Access A School Counsellor?
Student’s and parents can access the school’s counselling services by talking to the guidance counsellor Ms. Morck, the Family School Liaison Counsellor Mrs. Thiele, or by requesting support through any other school personnel.