1. Student Services Presentation 2015-2016

2. Who are AV School counsellors? Ms. Melodie Starratt Last Names A-K Ms. Jan Fraser Last Names: L-Z

3. Where are the school counsellors located?

4. Services Provided to Students Personal Counselling Services: We offer personal counselling services to the students of Avon View. The following are examples of some of the topics (but not limited to) which students may see us for: Coping with change Anxious feelings Body image Culture shock Depression Family issues Grief and loss Homesickness Perfectionism Relationship Issues Self-Esteem Motivation Substance use Healthy Coping Strategies

5. Services Provided to Students Academic and Career Counselling: Career/vocational counselling Goal making/planning Course/subject choice(s) planning Credit checks Assisting with applications for admission to post- secondary schools, scholarships/bursaries Connecting with resources outside of school (Job Resource Centre, student assistance/student loans, etc.)

6. Services Provided to Students Other services: Groups (Anxiety, Stress Management, Inter/Intra Personal Skill Building, Exam Prep, Social Explorations etc.) Available by request or as sign up when offered. Liaison for Rotary Exchange Program Encounters with Canada Experiences Adventures in Citizenship Experiences Advanced Placement Courses (open to grades 11 and 12) Virtual School (on-line courses) Referrals to other agencies

7. You should know… You consent to counselling services by choice and you can leave, stop or refuse counselling at any time. Generally, we will not come and find you unless you have requested for us to find you, someone has referred you, or we find an error with your courses or credits, have an opportunity for you, etc. Usually it is the students who seek us out.

8. Confidentiality Confidentiality: the legal right that a person will hold secret all information relating to you, unless you give consent to release that information. Or… You are going to harm yourself or someone else Someone is abusing you or I suspect that you are being abused You are involved in something illegal- something that is harmful to you or someone else The police or a court orders me to share what we have been talking about.

9. How to Make an Appointment To meet with a counsellor, please visit the secretary, Ms. Church, in Student Services during break times to arrange an appointment. Ms. Church will book an appointment for you and provide you with an appointment slip which includes the date and time of your appointment. The slip is to be given to your teacher when leaving class to attend an appointment. You can always e-mail us too! We strongly recommend that every student book at least one appointment during the school year to plan course selection, to review credits and to discuss options for the future.

10. What if I need to see someone right away? Booking an appointment doesn’t always work for those unplanned life events.  Sometimes you may need to talk to someone right away. We understand this. So…. Stop into student services- even without an appointment- and we will juggle things around so that we can chat with you as quickly as we can. Be sure to tell Mrs. Church that it is important that you speak with someone right away.

11. Changing Courses Course changes are now complete for semester one. We are encouraging students to make an appointment to review courses for semester two before the December break- especially if you are hoping to make a course change. If you are in grade 11 or 12, you should make an appointment with your counsellor to check on your credits and ensure you are on track to graduate as planned. Grade 10? It’s important we meet you and at the very least, check out what you think your plans may be or talk about planning options over the next couple of years.

12. Post Secondary Afternoon: Thursday, October 8 th Various post-secondary institutions visit AVHS and set up information booths on this afternoon. This provides students with an opportunity to make direct contact with the school representatives to learn about programs offered, admission requirements, application procedures, open house opportunities, scholarships/bursaries, residence opportunities, etc. Grade 10s can check out the booths from 1:00- 1:15pm. Grade 11 and Grade 12 students will be called down during 4 th period.

13. Post Secondary Information Sessions A great opportunity to make a personal connection with a recruiter or admission officer from a particular school. Application fees are sometimes waived as well! Watch the website! Listen to/read announcements! These folks often present at 12:00-12:45 in the seminar room. * Request an in-progress transcript before attending if you think you will want to apply on the spot. Request a few days in advance.

14. Grade 12 Student/Guardian Night Thursday, October 15 th at 6:30 pm in School Cafeteria Length: about 1-1.5 hours. Important information is shared regarding what to expect in grade 12. Learn about deadlines, opportunities and helpful tips about life after high school. Also, there will be a Nova Scotia student loans officer here to present regarding the student loan procedure. This is the ONLY time this year this presentation will occur so be sure to attend- there is a great deal of important information about the application process and what to expect.

15. Frequently Asked Questions 1. When can I apply to Post-Secondary Institutions? NSCC: In grade 11 or 12 – before the end of October* Grade 12 year for most places(fall versus winter) 2. When can I apply for scholarships? Most are only available to Grade 12 students. 3. What if I am shy about making my first appointment? Email us and we can book your first one if you feel shy or awkward about stopping by. 4. What if I want to drop a course? Grade 10s cannot drop courses. Grade 11s may be able to - it depends on the number of credits you earned in grade 10 and if you have an adequate amount scheduled for grade 11. Grade 12 students typically can drop courses as long as it doesn’t interfere with your graduation status. Watch the drop deadlines carefully! Consult the school website!

16. AVHS/ Student Services Website http://www.avhs.ednet.ns.ca/