I am pleased and privileged to be starting my third year as school counsellor at Athena Consolidated. Before coming to Athena, I was employed as school counsellor in three elementary schools in Western PEI. Prior to obtaining my Masters in Education with a Specialization in Counselling, I was employed by the Western School Board in various Grades 1 to 9 assignments including Special Education/Resource, classroom teaching and administration. As I have experience in various areas of schooling, I strive to be very approachable and natural in my counselling assignment. I believe it is important that students, families and staff regard me as another helpful person in their school community whom they can interact with in a comfortable and meaningful way. While I work from my office setting, I am quite visible within the whole school setting.
My role as school counsellor allows me to be involved in a variety of activities that support the well being of students from grades Kindergarten to Nine. The Minister's of Education Directive, outlined in the PEI Department of Education document School Counselling Services Standards and Guidelines states: "The primary goal of school counselling services is to enhance and promote student learning. School counselling services are designed to provide supports and resources to students at all grade levels, to their families and educators. These services are intended to facilitate the educational. personal, social, emotional and career development of students in schools and in the community."
Referrals to counselling can be made by staff, parents and guardians, community agencies and students themselves. A student may choose to speak to trusted adults or peers about what is shared in a counselling session but I am bound to respect confidentiality. When appropriate, I will ask for the student's permission to share information that may be helpful in resolving a situation. Like any adult who has reason to believe a student may be at risk, instances may arise where I have a duty to report. At times I may facilitate a referral to an outside service should that be more appropriate than school level counselling. I will inform parents and guardians of students should I intend to be involved with a student over a period of time.
While I meet with many students for individual counselling, there are times when I work with students in small groups or work with classroom teachers in providing classroom based programs. I serve as the Advisor to the Grade Nine students who work as Peer Helpers in their assigned elementary classes; collaborate with the Grade Nine Homeroom Teachers to provide a transition process for students from Intermediate to Senior High; and arrange for school presentations to students on topics that promote positive youth development. This year I look forward to working with a dozen Intermediate students who have volunteered to be part of an Outreach Club who will be involved in tasks that promote caring and respect for all within our school, school community and broader society.
As the year unfolds, I will use this blog to share information about counselling related services, resources and events that may be relevant and helpful to youth, parents/guardians and educators. I am excited to be part of a caring and vibrant school community. Feel free to contact me at Athena between Monday and Thursday by phoning 888- 8476, e-mailing mtcain@edu.pe.ca or by meeting for a scheduled conversation at school.
Ms. Margaret Cain
School Counsellor
B.Ed M.Ed CCC
