Update from School Counsellor at the half way mark of the school year

Now that February has arrived, I can only hope to improve in terms of my frequency as a blogger! I know that the blog provides a positive means of sharing information with the families of students at Athena. I have been kept busy providing services to students and families and look forward to the involvements I will have during the rest of the school year. While teachers, administration and parents/guardians tend to refer students to me through conversations in-person or telephone and e-mail communications, I do find many students feel comfortable approaching me on their own with matters of importance to them. I strive to keep families aware of students who I will be working with over a period of time. As noted in my first blog this year, I can be reached via the main school office at 888-8486 or through e-mail mtcain@edu.pe.ca.

Since my first post I have kept track of various information items that I find useful in my work and that families may also find helpful. I'm happy to share some of this resource network with you.

Information Resources:


The Canadian Mental Health Association East Prince (436-7399) has an excellent selection of brochures on most every topic related to the well-being of youth and families. They publish and regularly update The PEI Helping Tree, a listing of the many helping resources available in PEI.

Teens and Tweens is a series of interviews with experts in adolescent mental health and addictions hosted by adolescent and family therapist Avrum Nadigel.  The series is found on the Knowledge Exchange website of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.(http://knowledgex.camh.net) Some of the topics currently available are:
(1) eating disorders
(2) cyber risk
(3) internet addiction
(4) smoking
(5) substance use
(6) mother-daughter relationships
Each podcast is between 7 and 20 minutes

Agencies that support youth and families with emotional, social and physical well being:

Community Mental Health- Parents and guardians may contact this agency directly to inquire about mental health services for youth and adults. As counsellor I can also assist with referrals. The office is located behind the Prince County Hospital and the telephone # is 888 8180. In cases of urgent mental health concerns, the Emergency Department at the PCH hospital has a Crisis Response Team with qualified social workers.

Positive Parenting from two Homes- This is a cost free program offered in two 3 hour sessions, one week apart, to offer general information to parents living in two homes. Parents can contact1 877 203 8828 to find out about the times for a Summerside or Charlottetown program in the near future. A childrens' program can be provided over fours sessions at the school. As the school counsellor works with a facilitator to arrange for students to attend a childrens' program, please contact me so I am aware of your interest in having your child participate should a small group program be offered this school year.

Family Ties- Previously known as Family Focus, this Summerside based program serves youth age 12-16 within the context of the family. It is intended to help families learn new skills through several hours of weekly intervention over a period of 10-12 weeks. To learn more, contact one of the three Social workers involved with this service at 888-8480.

Health PEI-Community Youth Addictions Counsellor Brandi Milligan was one of two presenters who provided drug awareness sessions to all Intermediate students at Athena in January. Brandi is available to assist youth and families at convenient late afternoon, evening and week-end times. She can be reached at 902 438-4183 or blmilligan@ihis.org.