Health & Wellness
Healthy Schools' News
Find out about the latest health and wellbeing initiatives in SD8 schools. Sign up to receive the Healthy Schools' newsletter (News You Can Use) at HSC.
2016-2017
January/February issue of News You Can Use
November issue of News You Can Use.
2015-2016
March issue of News You Can Use.
April issue of News You Can Use.
May issue of News You Can Use.
June issue of News You Can Use.
Check out the SD8 Healthy schools website here and download the SD8 Directory of Community Services below.
2016-2017
January/February issue of News You Can Use
November issue of News You Can Use.
2015-2016
March issue of News You Can Use.
April issue of News You Can Use.
May issue of News You Can Use.
June issue of News You Can Use.
Check out the SD8 Healthy schools website here and download the SD8 Directory of Community Services below.
Community Services Directory March 2016 |
Individual Education Plan Resources
Does your child have an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? If so, please check out the resources below produced by BCCPAC and the BC School Superintendent's Association with the Ministry of Education.
These documents are designed to help parents get the most out of their child’s IEP. “An IEP is, above all, a “living document,” meaning it can, and will, be changed as your child’s circumstances change.”
These documents are designed to help parents get the most out of their child’s IEP. “An IEP is, above all, a “living document,” meaning it can, and will, be changed as your child’s circumstances change.”
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Supporting Student Mental Health
See below to download the presentations made at the DPAC meeting on Thursday, May 25 about Supporting Student Mental Wellbeing in SD8 and the work of the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Collaborative by Director of Independent Learning Ben Eaton and Psychologist Todd Kettner.
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A Message from ANKORS:
Opioid Overdose Intervention Training
To receive training in overdose intervention and Naloxone you can call ANKORS West at 250 505 5506, or email Jamie Makena. You can also receive training from Mental Health and Substance Use, Public Health and Interior Health.
"Please keep in mind all illicit pills and powders could be cut and/or contaminated with fentanyl or carfentanil. There is a real possibility, even if you are someone who does not use illicit substances, that you might be present as an overdose is occurring. Get trained and know how to respond."
"Please keep in mind all illicit pills and powders could be cut and/or contaminated with fentanyl or carfentanil. There is a real possibility, even if you are someone who does not use illicit substances, that you might be present as an overdose is occurring. Get trained and know how to respond."
BC Council of Administrators of Special Education Resources
Find a plethora of special education resources on the BCCASE website.
Find Support BC
Connecting Persons with Disabilities with Resources
This site is BC’s first ever user friendly, searchable database of disability related supports, services and community based activities for anyone in British Columbia!
There is also a transition timeline tool to help you navigate through the various items to consider at different stages of life.
Check it out at findsupportbc.com/
There is also a transition timeline tool to help you navigate through the various items to consider at different stages of life.
Check it out at findsupportbc.com/
Starting Out Right
West Kootenay Early Years Council Website
This new website features a current calendar of family programs and events in the Slocan Valley, Castlegar, Trail, Nelson, Salmo, Kaslo and the East Shore. Parents can find out about free or low-cost activities for children aged 0 to 6. Community pages include a contact list of community resources, supports and family programs. There is also a general directory of early years' resources on topics including health, nutrition, development, child care subsidies and more. Montly blog pots will include guidance from local early years professionals. Check it out at wkearlyyears.ca/
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources
If you or your child are dealing with mild anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Check out KB Searchlight for great self-help and other resources as well as to find the appropriate services in communities west of Kootenay Lake.
Get cybersafe!
www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/index-en.aspx
Emotional Agility: A Tool to Help Teens Manage Their Feelings
"Navigating the ups and downs of the teenage years has never been easy, as young adults manage a lot of changes that are hormonal, physical, social and emotional. Teens could use help during this period; according to a recent study, the prevalence of depression in adolescents has increased in the last decade. One way teens can manage these experiences, according to psychologist Susan David, is by equipping teens with the emotional skills to “help them develop the flexibility and resilience they need to flourish, even during hard times.”
Read the complete article here.
Read the complete article here.
Student Violence Threat/Risk Assessment: Fair Notice and Process
The SD8 brochure outline the process involved in a threat/risk assessment can be found in this PDF document. It can also be found here.
The SD8 brochure outline the process involved in a threat/risk assessment can be found in this PDF document. It can also be found here.
sd8_fair_notice_brochure_threat_assessment_2013.pdf |
Raising Kind Children
"Families foster kindness and respect at home by setting expectations for manners, sharing, and helping with chores. And families hope, often with a tinge of worry, that children will continue those behaviors when parents and caregivers aren't nearby: in the school cafeteria, at a friend’s house, or on Instagram and Snapchat.
But guiding children to be empathetic and ethical in their independent lives — even when no one is looking — can be more intentional than that. Here, a set of parenting strategies for teaching children to think ethically, care about the people around them, and create positive change in the world. These resources were developed by Making Caring Common (MCC), a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education."
Read this brief article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education here.
But guiding children to be empathetic and ethical in their independent lives — even when no one is looking — can be more intentional than that. Here, a set of parenting strategies for teaching children to think ethically, care about the people around them, and create positive change in the world. These resources were developed by Making Caring Common (MCC), a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education."
Read this brief article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education here.
The F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids' Mental Health
The F.O.R.C.E. is a provincial organization that provides families with an opportunity to speak with other families who understand and may be able to offer support or advice on what has worked for them. The F.O.R.C.E. also provides families and professionals with information, tools, and tips on how to support and assist children with mental health difficulties. They organize "in the know" information sharing and networking sessions on a specific topic with a guest speaker or webinar. Many webinars are archived on their website. You will also find information about the BC FRIENDS for Life Parent program on their website: forcesociety.com
The local Parent in Residence and Youth in Residence have lived experience with family members with mental health challenges, and provide support, navigation, and resources to families across B.C. and at The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. The PiRs and YiRs provide personalized system navigation, peer support, mentorship, and access to information, resources, networks and training. In Nelson, contact PiR Monique Lalonde [email protected]
or YiR Tyler Exner [email protected]
Outside of Nelson, call the FORCE Parent in Residence or Youth in Residence at the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BC Children's Hospital toll-free: 1-800-665-1822 OR email:[email protected].
FRIENDS E-Newsletter
Check out the FRIENDS e-newsletter that will provide you with an update about the online FRIENDS ‘parent’ program. Our parent program has been recently enhanced with a new look, and more enhancements are on their way including new videos and much more!
http://www.child-youth.friendsparentprogram.com/friends-school-district-liasons-spring-e-news
There is a link included so you can subscribe to future e-newsletters so you remain ‘in the loop’ about the FRIENDS parent program and have access to the family-friendly information, videos, home activities and more.
http://www.child-youth.friendsparentprogram.com/friends-school-district-liasons-spring-e-news
There is a link included so you can subscribe to future e-newsletters so you remain ‘in the loop’ about the FRIENDS parent program and have access to the family-friendly information, videos, home activities and more.
Foundation Skills Assessments (FSA)
FSA testing takes place in January and February each year. The provincial parent body, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) has put together an FSA Toolkit for parents with questions about the assessments http://bccpac.bc.ca/resources/fsa-information-kit-parents.
The BC Teachers' Federation has also prepared information for parents http://www.bctf.ca/fsa.aspx. Please click on the links above, or see the documents below for information.
The BC Teachers' Federation has also prepared information for parents http://www.bctf.ca/fsa.aspx. Please click on the links above, or see the documents below for information.
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Family Health Resources
MyHealth Magazine
Online interactive magazine with information to support family wellness.
Produced at the University of Ottawa.
MyHealthMagazine
Produced at the University of Ottawa.
MyHealthMagazine
Information Update on Electronic Smoking Devices - "Vaping"
Some schools have asked for information on these devices to share with staff and parents. Below is an article from the BC Medical Journal for further information.
It is highly recommended that these devices not be allowed on school property, in schools or any place where school activities are happening.
Some schools have asked for information on these devices to share with staff and parents. Below is an article from the BC Medical Journal for further information.
It is highly recommended that these devices not be allowed on school property, in schools or any place where school activities are happening.
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Angry Kids Stressed Out parents
http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episodes/angry-kids-stressed-out-parents
A great article called “The Trouble with Time Out” by Barry Macdonald. This article provides some great ideas about how to deal with your child in a more compassionate way with hugs and discussion rather than sending them off for an isolated time-out, where there is no chance of understanding what happened and why and no support to help a child deal with their feelings
http://www.mentoringboys.com/newsletter/2014/April2014TimeOUT.pdf
The 3 minute video contest for 18 years and younger – Hands On Cook Off Contest.
http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episodes/angry-kids-stressed-out-parents
A great article called “The Trouble with Time Out” by Barry Macdonald. This article provides some great ideas about how to deal with your child in a more compassionate way with hugs and discussion rather than sending them off for an isolated time-out, where there is no chance of understanding what happened and why and no support to help a child deal with their feelings
http://www.mentoringboys.com/newsletter/2014/April2014TimeOUT.pdf
The 3 minute video contest for 18 years and younger – Hands On Cook Off Contest.
Responsible and Problem Gambling Program for Schools and Parents
Responsible and Problem Gambling Program |
Resource Information about Cyber Bullying
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Cyberbullying Do First |
HEALTHY PACKED LUNCHES:
See below for the links to Nutrition information and ideas for school lunches.
IHA nutrition website:
http://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/SchoolHealth/SchoolNutrition/Pages/default.aspx
IHA lunch handout:
http://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/ChildrenYouth/Documents/Nutrition-Lunches%20to%20Go.pdf
Alberta lunch handout:
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/schoolsteachers/if-sch-nfs-whats-for-lunch.pdf
Ontario website:
https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Packing-Healthy-School-Lunches-and-Snacks-FAQs.aspx
This is a short video clip you may want to share with parents on tips about packing lunches and food safety:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Health/ID/2405542164/
See below for the links to Nutrition information and ideas for school lunches.
IHA nutrition website:
http://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/SchoolHealth/SchoolNutrition/Pages/default.aspx
IHA lunch handout:
http://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/ChildrenYouth/Documents/Nutrition-Lunches%20to%20Go.pdf
Alberta lunch handout:
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/schoolsteachers/if-sch-nfs-whats-for-lunch.pdf
Ontario website:
https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Packing-Healthy-School-Lunches-and-Snacks-FAQs.aspx
This is a short video clip you may want to share with parents on tips about packing lunches and food safety:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Health/ID/2405542164/
In Celebration of Learning
This is a newsletter produced by SD#8. The topic for this edition is Resilience. Open up the attachment to see examples of how our schools are building resilience in our classrooms.
This is a newsletter produced by SD#8. The topic for this edition is Resilience. Open up the attachment to see examples of how our schools are building resilience in our classrooms.
March 2013 In Celebration of Learning |
Mastering Anxiety - DPAC Presentation
Todd Kettner, Ph.D., R. Psych., Psychologist for School District #8 gave a presentation on mastering anxiety. Check out the link below of the slideshow presented at the meeting.
http://www.slideshare.net/tkettner/mastering-anxiety-dpac-meeting-feb-28-2013-final
Todd Kettner, Ph.D., R. Psych., Psychologist for School District #8 gave a presentation on mastering anxiety. Check out the link below of the slideshow presented at the meeting.
http://www.slideshare.net/tkettner/mastering-anxiety-dpac-meeting-feb-28-2013-final
Play First Lunch Toolkit
This is mostly for elementary schools. This toolkit, http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/play-first-lunch-toolkit-september-2007-kr.pdf, is offered to assist schools in changing lunch times to be play first and eat second. Playing first and eating lunch second provides many benefits for children and schools. Watch a short video clip on the topic: play first video. More great school nutrition information is available from: http://www.healthyeatingatschool.ca
This is mostly for elementary schools. This toolkit, http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/play-first-lunch-toolkit-september-2007-kr.pdf, is offered to assist schools in changing lunch times to be play first and eat second. Playing first and eating lunch second provides many benefits for children and schools. Watch a short video clip on the topic: play first video. More great school nutrition information is available from: http://www.healthyeatingatschool.ca
Parenting Resilient Children
Check out these great resources:
Check out these great resources:
Parenting Resilient Children at Home and at School |
Kids Have Stress Too: School Age Programs |
How to Help Kids Handle Stress |
Straight Talk About Teens |
Healthy Schools
Newsletters highlighting health promoting activities, programs and workshops as well as a directory of community resources throughout SD8:
Parent Information Note on Biking Safety |
Health Promoting Schools Newsletter June 2015 |
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Find more health information in Interior Health's Health Promoting Schools Newsletters:
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The Ministry of Health has updated four key resources to support the guidelines for schools. Here are the links to the new resources:
Caffeine: http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/caffeine2012.pdf
Dental: http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/dental_health2012.pdf
Sweeteners: http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/sweeteners2012.pdf
Healthier Foods: http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/uploads/healthier_foods-2012.pdf
And yet more information in DASH BC's Healthy Schools Network Newsletter (see feature about LVR in the April newsletter!). Find out about DASH BC here: http://dashbc.ca/
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Here's some great ideas for healthy snacks for kids (and parents!). Stick it on the fridge to encourage your kids to ask for them, if not make some themselves.
Plus some lunch and celebration ideas.
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Introduction of a school fruit program is associated with reduced frequency of consumption of unhealthy snacks
Norwegian children attending schools where free fruit was on offer ate less junk food and drank less soda than before the fruit was available, according to a new study that also found kids from disadvantaged households seemed to benefit the most. “Helping kids learn to make healthy diet choices at an early age is likely to have lasting impacts on their decisions into adulthood”. Read the complete article here
Norwegian children attending schools where free fruit was on offer ate less junk food and drank less soda than before the fruit was available, according to a new study that also found kids from disadvantaged households seemed to benefit the most. “Helping kids learn to make healthy diet choices at an early age is likely to have lasting impacts on their decisions into adulthood”. Read the complete article here
Farm to Cafeteria Canada is a national program promoting good tasting, nutritious food in schools, universities, colleges and healthcare facilities. Find valuable information, funds and support at http://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/ and www.phabc.org/farmtoschool or contact the Provincial Farm to School BC Coordinator
Brenda Kent. [email protected]
Suicide Prevention
Here's a new website for suicide prevention, Intervention and postvention - Resources for Everyone. http://www.westkootenaysuicideprevention.org
Here's a new website for suicide prevention, Intervention and postvention - Resources for Everyone. http://www.westkootenaysuicideprevention.org
Sext Up Kids
A CBC program on sexuality in young children and youth. This is a very good video about child and youth sexuality, the pressures of media and peers and the use of cell phones and porn websites in school aged children. It talks about the 70-80% of boys, some not even teenagers, accessing porn sites and then expecting the same from girls they know. Girls are blasted with media that promotes sexuality and they are starting at younger and younger ages. It is really important to talk about this with our students. The message from grade 12 students at the end of the program is to stay young and innocent for as long as you can and be true to yourself.
http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/sext-up-kids.html
A CBC program on sexuality in young children and youth. This is a very good video about child and youth sexuality, the pressures of media and peers and the use of cell phones and porn websites in school aged children. It talks about the 70-80% of boys, some not even teenagers, accessing porn sites and then expecting the same from girls they know. Girls are blasted with media that promotes sexuality and they are starting at younger and younger ages. It is really important to talk about this with our students. The message from grade 12 students at the end of the program is to stay young and innocent for as long as you can and be true to yourself.
http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/sext-up-kids.html
Eating Disorders in Adolescents
What can parents do to help our children develop healthy attitudes about themselves and their bodies? Download the information file, view the videos and talk to your kids.
Video #1: Onslaught/Beauty Pressure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epOg1nWJ4T8
Video #2: Imagine This Girl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CuMJybvAh8&feature=related
Video #3: End Fat Talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CuMJybvAh8&feature=related
What can parents do to help our children develop healthy attitudes about themselves and their bodies? Download the information file, view the videos and talk to your kids.
Video #1: Onslaught/Beauty Pressure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epOg1nWJ4T8
Video #2: Imagine This Girl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CuMJybvAh8&feature=related
Video #3: End Fat Talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CuMJybvAh8&feature=related
Eating Disorder Information for Parents |
Missed Gary Anaka's presentation at Mt. Sentinel ?
Check out his website: http://www.braincoach.ca/
Library Card Information
Please visit http://nelson.bclibrary.ca/using-the-library/membership-information for more information or if you have any questions.
A Parent's Guide to Facebook
The document below has some great info for parents on which settings are appropriate for children. Also, check out this link to help parent navigate through facebook settings for teens: http://www.connectsafely.org/Safety-Advice-Articles/facebook-privacy-chart-for-teens.html
Parent's Guide to Facebook |