BCSCA

The BC School Counsellors Association, a provincial specialist association of the BC Teachers' Federation, will welcome Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy as the keynote speaker at their annual professional development conference on Friday, October 19, 2018 in Richmond. 

Dave MacKenzie, president of the BC School Counsellors Association, said they are expecting 300 school counsellors from across the province and that hearing from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions is incredibly timely, given the increase in mental health problems facing students in our schools. 

“As school counsellors, we are often the first to identify and intervene when young people start to struggle,” said MacKenzie. “School counsellors are the educational professionals who often become the primary navigators for young people and their families when more intensive services and supports are required. As school counsellors, we are all doing what we can to raise awareness of the growing need for strategies and resources to support mental health in BC's schools. Whether it's supporting a student with anxiety, training other teachers in a mental health literacy program, or helping a family navigate difficult circumstances, our work is often done quietly behind the scenes and not always supported the way it should be by school districts.”

MacKenzie explained that more needs to be done to ensure students get the early interventions they need to improve and sustain mental health. 

“Having the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions come to the BC School Counsellors Association conference is unprecedented and a good sign that the government is serious about addressing about the growing problem facing BC schools.”

WHEN: Minister Darcy's keynote is from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 19
WHERE: Pacific Gateway Hotel, 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond. 

The BC School Counsellors Association conference is part of network of professional development events happening this week that are put on by the BCTF's provincial specialist associations. 

Media can reach Dave MacKenzie at vernondavemack@gmail.com or at 250-307-4499. 

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For more information, contact Rich Overgaard, BCTF media relations officer, at 604-871-1881 (office) or 604-340-1959 (cell).

Children and Youth Mental Health & Substance Use Collaborative

Colleagues from the Interior making an impression at the Children and Youth Mental Health & Substance Use Collaborative in Kelowna. This is the beginning of the redevelopment of the Child and Youth mental health services in BC.  We are honoured to be asked to participate in this very important project. 

More information will be announced in early fall !

School counselling in Canada is thriving - be part of something great through membership in the CCPA School Counsellors Chapter.

Originating in 2000, the School Counsellors Chapter is a growing professional group of CCPA. The Chapter aims to provide elementary and secondary school counsellors in Canadian private and public schools with access to professional development, open discussion and networking, advocacy, and research opportunities.

The Chapter members come from all Canadian provinces and territories. Students and international members also belong to the Chapter. CCPA members who are school counsellors, or other CCPA members interested in the school counselling profession, may join the School Counsellors Chapter for a fee of $15 per year.

The majority of Chapter members have chosen to attain the “Canadian Certified Counsellor” (C.C.C.) designation.

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

School Counselling Chapter >>>

As a group, the CAI represents a varied cross section of interest and experience. Our collective expertise stems from lived experience, research, advocacy, volunteer and work practice. Our members are drawn from community social services, business, labour, government, Aboriginal leadership agencies and representatives from the BC Alliance for Mental Health/Illness and Addiction.  

...this 10 year mental health plan identifies the key role that school counsellors play in the mental health of young people in BC.
>>>DOWNLOAD a copy

Thanks to all those who attended, presented, exhibited, sponsored the BCSCA Annual Conference.

Did you miss the one of the KEYNOTE presentations? We have posted the a digital recording of Dr. Shanker's and Dr. Mathison's presentations on the BCSCA YouTube channel



LOOKING for a copy  from a powerpoint or handout from one of the sessions you attended this year?  Become a member of this website, and download the information.

E.R.A.S.E stands for Expect  Respect and a Safe Education.  

The province’s 10-point ERASE Bullying Strategy, which includes the launch of the new ERASEBullying.ca web portal and the new ReportBullyingBC.ca online reporting tool. The new website provides vital information, links and tips for parents and students while the new online reporting tool provides students a secure and anonymous way to report instances of bullying, threats and other safety concerns.