Administrative Procedure: 240
STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICES
Background
School based counselling services are an important dimension of the education process and that the purpose of this service to support the all-inclusive educational objectives of the District.
Guidance and counselling services shall be available to all students from kindergarten to grade 12 as an integral part of school programs and services.
Definition
Guidance and counselling includes a variety of group oriented activities designed to enhance student attitudes and values and refers to an individualized, small-group or class process that assists students with specific personal/social issues and difficulties, and educational or career issues. Counselling services may be developmental, preventative or crisis-oriented.
Procedures
1. Principals shall develop procedures for the provision of guidance and counselling services which are consistent with provincial policy and procedures, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. Roles and responsibilities of counsellors shall be included.
2. Effort will be made to employ professionally trained counsellors who have had successful experience in education. For schools without a counsellor, the Principal shall ensure that guidance and counselling services are available to students.
3. Guidance and counselling services provided by the school shall meet identified needs of students in three key areas:
3.1 Educational;
3.2 Personal/social; and
3.3 Career development and assistance.
4. School counsellors or individuals providing guidance and counselling services in schools shall respect the confidentiality of information received in accordance with professional ethics and the law.
5. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the performance of counsellors and the services provided relative to their role and program description shall occur.
Reference: Sections 8.2, 17, 20, 22, 65, 75, 85 School Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Procedure 240