Hi! April Scott here.
I am the school counselor for the Barrington family of elementary schools. I am new to this position since the fall of 2008.
I have taught in the Tri-County Regional School Board since 1994. Before that, I taught for 8 years out west in Manitoba and British Columbia. I have worked exclusively with children 4-12 years of age. In total, I have taught in the school system for 23 years.
I am currently doing my internship in counseling at the Barrington area elementary schools through Acadia University in Wolfville, NS.
I chose to get into counseling because as a classroom and music/physical education teacher, I saw the need to be specifically trained in order to really listen and offer assistance to children beyond what I could with my training as a classroom teacher.
Once I have completed my studies in February of 2010, I will be eligible to be certified with the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. I will have also completed a Masters Degree in Education. My graduation is in May of 2010.
How it has played out in the schools:
In September of this year, I visited the classrooms of children in Grades 2-6. A presentation was shown which outlined what my job is in your child's school and how I can be of help to them.
The presentation outlined some things children could talk with me about such as bullying, fears and anxieties, friendship troubles, grief and loss, depression, family and sibling troubles and major life changes such as those brought about by family break up, moving or death.
Included in this presentation was information about "secrets". Children were informed that what they tell me is kept private and secret EXCEPT:
1. If your child discloses being in a dangerous and harmful situation, I will notify the school principal.
2. If your child discloses plans on harming or putting someone else in a dangerous situation, I will notify the school principal.
3. If your child discloses plans on harming himself/herself or putting himself/herself in a dangerous situation. I will notify the school principal.
When your child comes to see me, they are also reminded of this. All other topics are kept confidential unless your child and I agree to disclose.
Children can refer themselves to access my services. This is done by your child filling out a slip of paper with their name, their teacher's name and their grade. Children are encouraged to keep this private and thus, begins the maintenance of confidentiality in the counseling relationship. This slip is left in a decorated box in the main office.
On the day I visit your child's school, I check the box for new self-referrals and then I see your child. We talk and together we sort out what is of concern to your child.
Sometimes individual teachers or the school program planning team refer children. Teachers of children in Grades Primary -1 are also encouraged to refer students who may be needing counseling and psychotherapy services.
You can refer your child for my services as well. Just contact your child's school.
In addition to individual counseling services, I also have implemented group programs in the schools. So far these include The Girl's Group which targets friendships, self-esteem, body image, exercise and nutrition and other girl's issues. The other group is the Surviving In The Girl World Group which focuses on difficulties and trials of being in "The Girl World" with relational aggression. This is for any girl who is caught up in being bullied, witnessing bullying or is a bully and wants to stop.
As the year progresses, plans for a group that allows children to address family break-up and divorce issues is in the works! I guess we'll see what the new year brings!
These are the days I visit the elementary schools in the area:
Monday: Forest Ridge Academy (administration and on call for emergencies)
Tuesday: Cape Island Elementary School
Wednesday: Evelyn Richardson Elementary School
Thursday: Forest Ridge Academy
Friday: Clark's Harbour Elementary
I want to thank you for giving me the trust and opportunity to work with your children in this very important service that has been recently added to the Barrington family of elementary schools.