Alberta School Counsellor Spring 2021

Counsellor ALBERTA SCHOOL

Publications mail agreement #40934510A

Spring 2021

EcoSchools Canada:

Making students keen about a greener planet Talking with children about COVID-19 Alberta Career Development Conference reflects on 2020 and hopes for a better 2021

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Counsellor In this issue ALBERTA SCHOOL

is published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President/Publisher David Langstaff Managing Editor CINDY CHAN cindy@delcommunications.com Sales Manager Dayna Oulion Advertising Account Executives Ross James ..............................................................................

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EcoSchools Canada: Making students keen about a greener planet............................................ 4 How an academic advisor can be your students’ best friend............. 6 Talking with children about COVID-19 ............................................................ 8 Current, connected, committed...................................................................... 10 How parents can encourage resiliency amid COVID-19...................... 12 Home education in Alberta................................................................................ 14 Advocating for safe and stable public education during a global pandemic..................................................................................... 16 Growing opportunity for students in Alberta’s forests....................... 18 The little college that offers big opportunities...................................... 20 Ready for what happens next............................................................................ 21

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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher­in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

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Index to advertisers Alberta Forest Products Association.........................................................................OBC Career Development Association of Alberta..............................................................11 Keyano College......................................................................................................................... IFC Lethbridge College.................................................................................................................IBC MacEwan University...................................................................................................................7 Northern Lakes College...........................................................................................................11 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 3

EcoSchools Canada: Making students keen about a greener planet

S

tudents can learn more than just their ABCs in school when they take part in the EcoSchools Canada program.

EcoSchools Canada is a bilingual environmental certification and climate

By Cindy Chan

communities — students, educators

Ontario. In response to growing requests

school administrators, custodians,

for a national program, 2019 saw a new

and parents alike — in hands-on

EcoSchools certification framework

environmental actions that can be

piloted with select schools in Ontario

tracked, measured and improved upon

and New Brunswick, and in fall 2020,

annually.

EcoSchools opened its doors to all schools in Canada, becoming the 68th

action program for kindergarten through

While the EcoSchools program has been

grade 12 schools across Canada. To

administered internationally by the

achieve its mission of helping to build

Foundation for Environmental Education

student environmental leadership, the

(FEE) for over 25 years, it wasn’t until

EcoSchools’ executive director Lindsay

program offers a robust framework

2005 that the first Canadian iteration of

Bunce explains that the program is

that engages everyone in school

the program was created for schools in

designed to be accessible to everyone.

4 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

country in the world to run a national program.

The EcoSchools program aims to support school communities as they start small and build on their success.

Publicly funded schools can register for free and begin by assembling an EcoTeam made up of diverse members from the school community, including staff, students and the broader community. Together, the EcoTeam works to build an environmental action plan from a library of 43 actions housed in a custom-built online platform. This year, EcoSchools included a COVID risk assessment to make sure everyone taking part is doing so safely either through remote learning or with inschool public health measures in place.

“Schools can head over to our action library to see what kind of activities they want to take on each year,” Bunce explains, adding the process starts in the fall and wraps up in the spring of the same school year. Actions can range from planting a food garden to reducing harmful single-use plastics.

After choosing actions that address

local issues and priorities, schools track their progress on the online platform by answering specific certification questions and record impact and participation of those actions.

“Near the end of the school year in May, EcoTeams submit their application to EcoSchools staff for assessment, and schools are awarded bronze to platinum level based on their achievements,” Bunce explains.

The EcoSchools program aims to support school communities as they start small and build on their success. Fifty per cent of the schools participating in the program have been certifying for five years or more. Eventually, their environmental efforts become a part of their schools’ identities and an important part of the way they see themselves as environmental champions in their communities.

“We often see that after they’ve had a few years of the program under their belt, they try hard to maintain or improve their certification level year over year,” Bunce adds.

Across the country, Alberta has shown a particular interest in the program with over 30 schools registering so far, and EcoSchools Canada is working closely with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE) to support regional program delivery.

Overall, EcoSchools’ goal is to encourage students to think about how they want to become active agents of change in their local communities and collaborate across the entire education sector to make the world around them a more sustainable place.

For more information, visit ecoschools.ca. n

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 5

How an academic advisor can be your students’ best friend Supplied by MacEwan University

F

inding the right post-secondary fit is a process – one that MacEwan University’s new Academic Advising Centre is

making easier with its one-stop-shop advising model for future students.

“We’re here to support and coach future students as they begin their

downtown university, they should check in with the Academic Advising Centre first, says Ravagnolo. Here are four reasons why.

1. Advisors can help your students find their way in a whole new world

academic journey,” says Karen

MacEwan’s vibrant downtown campus

Ravagnolo, the centre’s manager. “As

is like a tiny city. It takes time to figure

advisors, we are connected to all of

out how to make your way around, how

the university’s service areas, faculties

things work, where to get help or even

and schools, so we’ve got the lay of the

where to eat lunch. “We can definitely

land when it comes to the huge number

answer specific, concrete questions, but

of programs, services and supports that are available at MacEwan.”

our job is also to teach students and to give them the skills to make navigating

If your high school students are

their university experience easier,” says

thinking of attending Edmonton’s

Ravagnolo.

That can include everything from showing future students how to work through processes, interpreting university lingo, walking students through the academic calendar or explaining the requirements of their programs of choice.

2. Advisors can help your students save time and frustration Academic advisors are generalists who know just enough to answer a whole lot of questions – everything from figuring out how to choose the right program to exactly what future students need to include in their applications and whether it’s realistic to take five courses a semester and work a part-time job.

Ravagnolo says that one question that many high school students are asking this year involves optional diploma exams. “MacEwan will continue to accept the final marks as reported by Alberta Education on the high school transcript to calculate an applicant’s admission average, whether they chose to write the final exam or not,” she explains. “Students and future students are responsible for making their own choices, of course, but advisors know how to get the most up-to-date information to help students make those choices.”

3. They are future students’ biggest cheerleaders “We’re rooting for every student we 6 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

“We’re rooting for every student we talk to. We want to provide a positive experience and for every person who we interact with to choose to come to MacEwan,” says Karen Ravagnolo, manager of MacEwan University’s Academic Advising Centre.

talk to,” says Ravagnolo. “We want to

services, including writing tutors,

brand new students get oriented to

provide a positive experience and for

financial aid advisors and mental health

the university, but we can also answer

every person who we interact with to

counsellors.

questions and help connect students

4. Advisors are in it for the long haul

with faculty advisors and other

choose to come to MacEwan.”

That sentiment doesn’t change if things don’t go as planned. If someone isn’t admissible, Ravagnolo says that advisors can help figure out what they can do to be successful during the next admission window. And advisors are also available to guide current students

Ultimately, says Ravagnolo, the

university services from pre-admission through to graduation.”

Academic Advising Centre’s main goal

Advisors in MacEwan University’s

is to make sure students have the

Academic Advising Centre are standing

knowledge and skills they need to reach their goals.

by to answer questions by email, online chat, phone or video call.

through changing programs or to help

“We focus on providing information for

Visit MacEwan.ca/Advising for more

them access a wide range of support

prospective students and on helping

information. n

committed to working together for our students, our community and our future.

We're Edmonton's downtown university.

MacEwan.ca

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 7

Talking with children about COVID-19

Supplied by Alberta Health Services

P

arents and other trusted adults play a major role in helping kids understand health and safety in an honest and accurate way. A calm, meaningful conversation may help minimize their fears and anxieties as they navigate school.

•M aintain social connections – it will help you (and

A few tips:

•C orrect misinformation and avoid using language that

• Being safe today will help ensure you can have fun all year long.

• Let children know it’s OK if they’re sad or scared about COVID-19. Accept their feelings without judging.

Emotions come and go. It’s OK to feel sad or upset or distressed. In most cases, these feelings do not last long.

• Avoid telling a child not to worry. The goal is to help a child realistically evaluate risk based on reliable information.

• Show them healthy ways to deal with stress, such as active living, meditation, regular sleep and healthy eating. They will learn how to deal with stress by watching and copying what you do.

8 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

others around you) feel less isolated. Reach out to friends or family by phone or video chat. For information, go to https://www.alberta.ca/restrictionson-gatherings.aspx.

may create stigma and blame others for COVID-19.

• L et kids know that you’re there for them and that they can ask you questions.

• F ocus on how they can protect themselves and others from getting sick. Teach children ways that they can reduce the spread of germs. Talk to them about the importance of wearing a mask. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, and teach them to wash their hands thoroughly and often. Supply them with hand sanitizer for times when they are unable to wash.

•K eep routines as regular as possible to provide kids with a sense of security and safety. Maintain regular bedtimes, mealtimes and exercise.

A calm, meaningful conversation may help minimize their fears and anxieties as they navigate school.

• Encourage positive thoughts. Talk about the people who are working hard to keep people safe and healthy. Find examples in your community of people doing good things. Find ways to do something kind for others.

• Check in regularly to ask how the child is doing. Provide comfort, if necessary, and be patient.

• Remind children and youth to take things day by day if they’re feeling overwhelmed. If even this seems overwhelming, then take things hour by hour. And talk to your healthcare provider if you are struggling.

• Go to www.ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes to learn more about how to talk to kids and how you can connect them with support, if needed.

• Last but not least, take care of your own health. We can all be overwhelmed during times of uncertainty. Be honest about your own feelings. Find ways to complete normal tasks, even if you’re feeling worried. You are best able to help children when you take care of yourself, too.

• I f you find you are still struggling, talk to your family healthcare provider. You will also find more resources at ahs.ca. n

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 9

Current, connected, committed Alberta Career Development Conference reflects on 2020 and hopes for a better 2021

By Cindy Chan

T

he Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA), like many other organizations, had an unexpected year due to COVID-19, but the past several months have taught them to pivot, adapt and

they can provide quality supports to the clients they serve,” Wischoff Yerama says. “We do that through a voluntary certification program, our annual conference and professional development opportunities, and we do our best to keep them

thrive unlike ever before.

connected to what’s going on in the field in general.”

The CDAA has been incorporated since 1997 as a grassroots

The Alberta Career Development Conference (ACDC) has

organization established by career development practitioners

been around for many years, but it was recently reimagined in

with the goal of getting together, sharing best practices and learning and growing together, according to Paula Wischoff Yerama, executive director for the CDAA.

2014, alternating between Edmonton and Calgary each year, according to Wischoff Yerama. It typically follows a traditional conference format with keynote speakers, concurrent sessions,

The CDAA currently boasts about 300 members across Alberta,

an exhibitor fair and networking events; however, COVID-19 has

as well as outside of Alberta’s borders, primarily consisting of

changed that entirely.

individuals working in not-for-profit career and employment services, as well as in post-secondary career centres, secondary schools, vocational rehabilitation settings, organizations and private practice.

“We weren’t able to go ahead with the conference last year, but it has been rescheduled for May 4 and 5, 2021. We had hoped to be able to hold the conference in person; however, given the ongoing uncertainty regarding in-person gatherings,

“Our goal as an association is to support our members to be

we have opted to move forward with a virtual conference,”

the best career development practitioners they can be so

Wischoff Yerama says.

10 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

We had hoped to be able to hold the conference in person; however, given the ongoing uncertainty regarding in-person gatherings, we have opted to move forward with a virtual conference,” Wischoff Yerama says.

It’s not an unfamiliar format to the CDAA. Wischoff Yerama says in October 2020, the CDAA held a virtual professional development conference with Challenge Factory in which participants chose their own adventure. There was some hesitance about participating in a virtual event that had traditionally been an opportunity for practitioners to connect in person, but those who attended had great things to say about the value they got out of it.

The registration process for the virtual conference will be quite similar to the in-person conference registration process.

Participants will be able to register for and attend virtual sessions, and even visit with exhibitors and one another through networking activities.

“We’ve tried to get a balance of sessions that would be a good fit for and of interest/value to people entering or new to the field, and for people who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field,” she says. “Participants can expect to learn something new to help them or the clients they serve, whether it be about a program, service, technology, methodology or theory.”

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, to find out what’s happening in the field, to add some new tools to your tool kit, to create some new relationships and to just get refreshed and reinvigorated to do the important work that needs to be done,” she adds.

For more information, visit careerdevelopment.ab.ca. n

Anyone is welcome to attend, especially those working in the career development/human resources and education fields.

The Career Development Association of Alberta is proud to host the seventh annual

Alberta Career Development Conference

and beyond,

Leading The Way

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from Alberta

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dedicated to excellence

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Tuesday and Wednesday, May 4 and 5, 2021 Please note this conference will be presented virtually.

For info and registration visit: careerdevelopment.ab.ca/acdc2021

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Career Development Association of Alberta

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MULTIPLE STREAMS OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS | INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED EXHIBITORS EXPERT PANEL PRESENTATIONS | CONSULTATION SESSIONS

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ACDC is “THE” event to attend to connect with your profession and other professionals!

in career development.

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ACDC 2021:

professionals

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virtually with

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Connecting you

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 11

How parents can encourage resiliency amid COVID-19 Methods to build resiliency within your child despite life’s unexpected circumstances

W

hile public health messaging tells us children are less likely to become seriously sick from COVID-19, research shows children may be some of the most vulnerable to its negative mental health effects. Twenty-four per cent of Canadian parents have described a deterioration in their children’s mental health since the beginning of the pandemic (CMHA, 2020).

Supporting a child experiencing stress and anxiety amid COVID-19 is a difficult and delicate balance, particularly when you may be feeling similar emotions. By working with your child, you can find methods to encourage resiliency.

Reminders for parents with an anxious child • Be understanding and patient as your child learns and practices new coping strategies.

• Set personal boundaries for yourself and seek external help, if needed.

12 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

• I f other family members are affected by your child’s anxiety, consider seeking family counselling (CMHA, n.d.).

Signs of resilience Research conducted in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has found 66 per cent of Canadian parents have reported spending increased quality time with their children, and 38 per cent of parents have observed increased resilience (strength and perseverance) in their children. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic stress, these are encouraging signs of resilience for parents and their children (CMHA, 2020).

Build a resiliency toolkit with your child The pandemic is an unexpected life circumstance that requires resilience to manage effectively. “Resiliency means coping well with problems, stress and other difficult situations. Resiliency is what helps you look at the situation realistically,

take action when you can make changes, let go of things you can’t change and recognize the helpful supports in your life” (CMHA, n.d.). As you and your child put together a COVID resiliency toolkit, consider skills like problem-solving, selfcalming exercises, gratitude practice and identifying support networks.

Encourage your child to speak openly about their emotions Acknowledge and affirm the difficulties of the pandemic and all the pressures that come with it. COVID-19 is an additional element to other life stresses with which your child must contend.

Practice self-calming exercises It is incredibly beneficial for parents to model healthy coping skills during periods of high stress, and there are a number of calming activities you and your child can practice together.

• Meditation: Learn about mindfulness and meditation apps for children here:

https://www.psychologytoday. com/ca/blog/creativedevelopment/201802/5-mindfulnessapps-children.

• Five senses mindfulness activity: Learn how to practice this simple mindfulness activity here: https:// www.anxietycanada.com/articles/ using-your-senses/.

Canadian Mental Health Association.

(2020, June 25). Warning signs: more Canadians thinking about suicide during pandemic. [Article]. Retrieved September, 2020, from: https://cmha.ca/news/ warning-signs-more-canadians-thinkingabout-suicide-during-pandemic Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Mental Health for Life. [Webpage].

Retrieved December, 2020, from: https://cmha.ca/resources/mentalhealth-for-life Canadian Mental Health Association.

(2020, September 11). Taming your back to school worries. [Article]. Retrieved December, 2020, from: https://cmha. ca/blogs/taming-your-back-to-schoolworries. n

• Gratitude practice: Read Psychology Today’s suggestions to foster gratitude in your child: https://www. psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/ thinking-about-kids/201712/5-waysfoster-gratitude-in-children.

Reach out for support Your child may benefit from talking about their anxieties and stress through external resources such as therapy provided by a counsellor or a peer support group. If you would like to learn more about support services near you, visit ementalhealth.ca.

Additional mental health resources for parents: • Caregiver Connections: Family peer support: https://alberta.cmha.ca/ documents/caregiver-connectionsfamily-peer-support/.

• BounceBack: Mental health resources for youth and adults, with specific COVID-19 mental health support: https://bouncebackbc.ca/covid19/.

Check in with your child every day, and realize they may not want to share their concerns or worries instantly. As long as your child knows you are always available, they will open up when ready.

References Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Anxiety Disorders. [Webpage].

Retrieved December, 2020, from: https://alberta.cmha.ca/documents/ anxiety-disorders/ Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 13

Home education in Alberta

By Judy Arnall Distance education Distance education includes all the programs that the government delivers through independent, charter, Catholic, francophone and public schools. It may include remote classroom learning, correspondence courses and virtual or “at-home” learning.

H

ome education in Alberta is a growing option in the buffet of choices. Education is no longer defined

children to preschools, but they are still in control of their children’s learning. As kindergarten age approaches, parents sign their youngsters up for school and

by where it takes place but by who

officially hand over their “authority” and

controls and is responsible for it: school

responsibility for their child’s education

or parent.

to a school, and by registering, the

Education is like driving a car. When parents have babies, toddlers and preschoolers, they are in the driver’s seat of their education. The kids are in the backseat. The passenger seat is a support

school becomes the “authority” over their learning. The parent moves from the driver’s seat into the support role of the passenger seat and the children are still in the backseat.

role filled by family and friends. Parents

There are only two ways to educate

decide what, when, where and how they

children at home in Alberta: distance

teach their little ones. In fact, everyone

education and home education.

home-educates their child from birth to

Distance education is the legal term

age five. The Alberta Government states

for school-controlled learning, and the

that parents are the primary decision-

teacher is in the driver’s seat. Home

makers of their children’s education and

education is the legal term for parent-

that parents control all aspects of it.

controlled learning, and the parent is in

Half of Canadian parents outsource their

the driver’s seat.

14 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

The school chooses the curriculum resources, teaches the approximately 1,400 targets per grade of the Alberta programs of study and assesses the child’s learning. They report the child’s progress through grades and report cards. The school teaches through synchronous or asynchronous online methods through a learning management system, or through correspondence booklets. Parents are in the passenger seat and support (and enforce) the work to be done and handed in. Consistent with the authority that has been assigned to the schools, the Education Act requires that only certified teachers may teach such programs. The advantage of distance education is uniformity and government vetted content.

Home education Home education is parent-controlled education. When parents decide to take back responsibility for their child’s education, they must legally “notify” the government through a school board or independent school, which will enable the parent to slide into the driver’s seat. Parents do not ask permission.

The school associate then gets into the passenger seat and becomes the school “partner” to support the parent in providing a home education program

for their child. Funding is available to support home education: $850 per child per year to offset the cost of resources, plus support by the school in the form of loaned resources and certified teacher facilitator help. However, the deadline for funding application is Sept. 30, after which date the door for applying for funding and support by the school will be closed. New this year, parents have the option, at any time, to notify directly with the government, but will not receive support or funding.

In Alberta, home education empowers the parent to take back the authority to provide the educational program, but that does not mean the parent has to teach. The parent procures resources for the child’s learning. Back to our car analogy, the parent steers to a drivethrough booth to order resources.

Parents can hire tutors, freelance teachers, university students and childcare professionals to help facilitate their child’s learning. They can form parent-teaching co-ops. They can access online a-la-carte synchronous courses from websites like Outschool and Khan Academy, and/or they can enrol their child in a non-government, wholepackage virtual school like Galileo from anywhere in the world. The parent might “outsource” certain topics but remains in the driver’s seat and can make changes at any time. The parent decides what, when, where and how the child learns, as well as provides the assessment. They can follow the 1,400 APS targets per grade, or they can follow the 22 home education targets by the time a child is 20 years old.

tutors to continue their studies to high school graduation. Many children do a self-designed high school home education program that meets the targets of high school courses but is very personalized to interests. Children on home education programs qualify for Alberta government diplomas, scholarships and university/college entrance. Home education may be more suited for elementary grades because of the non-screen, experiential learning benefits and the flexibility for personalized delivery. Some parents empower their children to self-direct their learning by following their natural curiosity and interests. A parent still sits in the driver’s seat but has their child on their lap steering the car. This is called unschooling, a methodology of home education.

The advantage of home education is

Concerned about socialization?

Research shows that home-educated children typically enrol in at least eight activities per week and have a diverse set of friends from the community.

children: three are university graduates,

flexibility, fun and experiential learning.

When a school board offers a shared responsibility program, it is partial parent-controlled with some subjects allocated to home education, and partial school controlled with some subjects allocated to the school to teach. More options are always better.

About Judy Arnall, BA, CCFE, is a certified brain development and child development specialist, and master of non-punitive parenting and education practices.

Judy is the bestselling author of five printed books including Unschooling To University and The Happy Homeschooling Alberta Handbook.

She is a mother of five home-educated one is in university and one is on the way. For more information on education choices, visit http:// www.albertahomeschooling.ca. n

Some home education parents do the teaching themselves – most parents can teach content up to Grade 8 without teacher’s manuals. Children entering their teens can do a good job teaching themselves from textbooks or researching the Internet or accessing Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 15

Advocating for safe and stable public education during a global pandemic Grassroots organizations play important role in promoting citizen engagement and awareness

By Wing Li, Communications Director, and Medeana Moussa, Executive Director of Support Our Students Alberta Alberta’s school re-entry plan On July 21, 2020 Education Minister LaGrange announced that Alberta would return to in-person classes for the 2020/21 school year under Scenario 1 : near-normal conditions.

Wing Li.

Medeana Moussa.

16 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

But overall, Alberta invested a meager $10 million for COVID-19 back-to-school equipment, earmarked to purchase hand sanitizer and masks for teachers and students. The responsibility to make a safe reopening plan was thrust upon school divisions, without any additional funds to support infrastructure adjustments; increased cleaning staff and supplies; increased teachers to plan for smaller class sizes and prioritize physical distancing. In fact, Alberta schools saw collapsed classes as a result of teacher shortages, which resulted from funding deficits for staff as school authorities already experienced two rounds of cuts, and many had drained their reserves coming into the pandemic.

From September to December 2020, it was clear that the ‘plan’ did not address already crowded schools, nor did it provide stable school environments for students. Without adequate supplementary funding, safety measures were downloaded to education staff. The fall 2020 semester saw tens of thousands

of students and staff forced into quarantine, over 600 school outbreaks and, most notably, province-wide collapse of contact tracing . Finally, Premier Kenney closed Grade 7 to 12 schools on November 30 due to high cases in Alberta.

Coalition for Safer School Relaunch In the absence of necessary government leadership and because of the failure to consult or collaborate meaningfully with health advisors, educators and parents, four grassroots organizations – Support Our Students Alberta, Masks4Canada, RAD Educators and Alberta Docs4Patients – joined forces to advocate for a safer and more equitable return to school in January 2021 with this central demand: “Now is the time to invest in standards and protocols that will create lasting safety measures for students and education workers alike.”

• Support Our Students Alberta is a nonprofit citizens action group advocating for universally accessible and equitable public education in Alberta.

• Masks4Canada is a nation-wide organization of Canadian physicians advocating for masks, face coverings and other vital public health safety measures.

It is in this absence of crisis leadership that the work of grassroots organizations such as SOS, Masks4Canada, RAD and ABdocs4patients becomes more valuable.

• Rad Educators Network is a collective

government did not modify their re-entry

mental health of students, and the

of educators advocating for equity and

plan in any way, despite the fallout

long-term impacts on a generation will

social justice education.

observed in the previous semester. Two

manifest as a result of students being left

weeks later, over 200 Alberta schools

behind by its government during a global

had reported cases, with over 60 schools

health crisis.

• ABdocs4patients is a grassroots, nonpartisan, physician-led organization

with two or more confirmed cases.

Without additional support or proper

About

planning, students, education workers

Wing Li grew up just outside of

At the beginning of January 2021, the

and families are buckling in for more

Edmonton and attended K-12 public

Coalition for a Safer School Relaunch

months of continued instability and

schools in Stony Plain, Alta. She attended

released 14 evidence-based strategies

disruption to learning as students bounce

the University of Alberta, graduating

that would augment the long-term safety

back and forth between school and home

with a B.Sc. in Psychology and Biology,

and health of Alberta students, education

quarantine due to unending cases in

and also holds an MSc and a PhD in

workers and communities at large.

schools.

Neuroscience from the University

Tracking COVID-19 in schools

It is in this absence of crisis leadership

On Sept. 1, Support Our Students

that the work of grassroots organizations

working to protect and strengthen public healthcare.

of Lethbridge. She has taught at the post-secondary level and has worked with science education and knowledge

launched their Alberta K-12 School

such as SOS, Masks4Canada, RAD

COVID-19 tracker, which aggregated

and ABdocs4patients becomes more

media and school reports of school cases.

valuable. The Coalition for Safer School

Medeana Moussa began her career in

Since then, the tracker has garnered over

Relaunch continues to advocate, engage

Toronto in marketing, communications

one million views from over 250,000

citizens and raise awareness about the

and government relations prior to

Albertans, and continues to be viewed

continuing COVID-19 crisis in schools.

returning to Calgary to start a business

between 40,000 to 80,000 times a day.

It is essential that citizens mobilize and

that she grew for 10 years. She has

campaign the Alberta government to

four children who all attend public

do more to support K-12 public schools.

school, and wants to engage with other

Alberta schools re-opened on Jan. 11, 2021

Undoubtedly, this perpetual instability

concerned citizens on the urgent issues

for all grades. Alarmingly, the Alberta

has already taken a heavy toll on the

facing public education. n

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Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 17

Growing opportunity for students in Alberta’s forests

By Emma Kniel

I

n Alberta, the word ‘forestry’ often evokes specific images: lumberjacks, plaid, chainsaws and large logging equipment. What is often missed are the countless other pieces to one of Alberta’s largest resource industries.

Currently, the forest industry is a massive source of career opportunities for youth.

The Alberta Forest Products Association launched the Work Wild campaign in 2011 in response to an industry-wide labour shortage. The campaign informs youth on sustainable forest management practices and provides resources on the variety of rewarding career opportunities in Alberta’s forest industry.

Before any harvesting happens in Alberta, professionals must create complex management plans that span 200 years into the future. These plans do not just account for wood supply; they must also plan for healthy water systems, robust wildlife habitats, natural forest disturbances and prosperous

18 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

communities. These experts have a deep understanding of how our ecosystems work and dedicate their lives to our forests’ care. Not quite the stereotypical lumberjack!

During the Work Wild program’s initial years, it was clear that additional misconceptions were surrounding the industry. Many students believed forestry jobs were low-tech, and there was no innovation keeping the sector relevant. However, this is not the case.

Technology is being utilized from the initial planning, including computer models equipped with artificial intelligence and drones to monitor hazardous or inaccessible forest areas through high-efficiency mills that have virtually eliminated waste from milling.

Even wood products themselves are being innovated and are used far more in our daily lives than ever before. Of course, we use lumber in our homes and paper at work, but even the food you eat, clothing you wear and so much more are made from wood products.

Did you know the toothpaste you use daily is often made with wood pulp?

We should not solely present careers in this sector to outdoor enthusiasts or students within forestry communities.

While there are many options for those

students, roles in technology, sciences and the trades are just as vast. One of the largest demographic changes seen in post-secondary forestry programs over the past 10 years has been a dramatic increase in female applicants from urban centres.

Work Wild has three toolkits available online to help share these opportunities with your students in Grade 6 Science, CALM 20 and CTS Forestry. These toolkits come complete with fully laid out lesson plans and interactive resources for students to explore. Take a trip back in Alberta’s history with a forest-use timeline to see how land management has changed over 100 years. Learn how diverse our forest

landscape is and how human impacts and natural disturbances create these variations with an interactive map. Or deep dive into the balance forestry professionals must create between forests and society with an infographic.

If your students want to discover even more about these opportunities and how they can plan their future career path, Work Wild also offers free of cost presentations with one of our forestry educators. Bring the forest directly to your classroom!

To view these resources or learn more about Alberta’s forests and current career opportunities, please visit workwild.ca or reach out to the team directly at info@workwild.ca. n

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 19

The little college that offers big opportunities

Supplied by Keyano College

K

eyano College empowers learners to develop the skills needed to reach their professional, personal and economic goals. Keyano has an amazing variety of programs leading to certificates, diplomas, trades

you’ll see that while our students help move the oil industry forward, they excel in many other courses too. Our graduates are sought after because upon graduation they have the latest skills that are covered in the business and medical industries alike.

qualifications and baccalaureate degrees. Keyano College also offers courses and programs that award graduates certificates. At

Not only will you receive a first-class education at Keyano

Keyano College, no matter what the field of study, from business

College, but you’ll grow as a person too. We believe that student

and nursing to power engineering and early child learning care,

success involves having a great experience both inside and

you’ll find what you want. We pride ourselves on being the little

outside the classroom. Our Student Life team is dedicated to

college offering big opportunities. Our class sizes are small and

providing students a college experience they will appreciate

that will allow you to get hands-on training from expert teachers

including social events, engaging initiatives, and ways to get

that will be able to spend time with you, giving you the chance to

involved. We offer students the chance to take part in projects

grow and thrive. The skills you’ll learn will be easily transferable

and programs that they care deeply about.

into the workplace where you’ll have the confidence to transition from the classroom to the office or job site.

If you’re looking to improve your body and spirit, Keyano College has The Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre built in 2007. It’s a

Keyano College is a cornerstone in Northern Alberta and a key to

premier facility equipped to host basketball, badminton, floor

so many industries in the region. Our goal is to ensure we educate

hockey, indoor soccer, futsal and volleyball, as well as many

the leaders of tomorrow. We also make it a priority to strengthen

events. You won’t find better anywhere else in the province. It’s

partnerships with local businesses and that helps our students

also home to the Keyano Huskies teams that have won multiple

find fulfilling work without having to leave the community. In

provincial awards in ACAC play along with many of our scholars/

doing so, we ensure students have the skills necessary to find

athletes that have been recognized provincially.

employment in a career they want while remaining in a region they know.

If you’re looking for a close-knit college community, small class sizes for in-depth teaching and great student events and athletics,

Large industry in Fort McMurray relies on graduates to not

the choice is clear. You’ll leave knowing you have the skills to

only keep the oil industry moving but also advancing for a new

succeed in whatever career you choose along with the memories

economy and a greener environment. But it’s not only the oil

and relationships that will last a lifetime. Keyano College: it’s

industry where Keyano College shines. Take a deeper dive and

what you want. n

20 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

Ready for what happens next Lethbridge College students supported and celebrated during unprecedented year

F

inishing high school and choosing what to do next has always been a challenge for students, but never has that challenge seemed greater than in a world that has been radically reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects.

At Lethbridge College, faculty and staff across campus worked hard to adapt to the quickly changing circumstances and create meaningful experiences for students, helping to build the foundation for future success.

Through faculty expertise, technology and creativity, the college broke new and exciting ground in the way Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021 21

And all students – wherever they were learning – have been able to access all the services and supports available to the Lethbridge College community, including academic advising, writing support, career advising, counselling and more.

Lethbridge College also knows preparing students for future success includes skills that go beyond the classroom. Custom-designed student core competencies in areas such as innovation, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration and communication give students these skills. Proficiency in each competency will be recognized with a digital badge from Lethbridge College that makes students more appealing to employers.

Faculty and staff are taking that same spirit of adaptability and creativity into their planning for fall 2021. They are committed to making sure students, it delivered education at Lethbridge College in the midst of a pandemic. For instance, instructor Dr. Amy HodgsonBright invited five award-winning authors and illustrators from across North America for a virtual visit with her Writing for Children and Young Adults class. Students benefitted from hearing first-hand about their careers, writing and illustrating styles as well as gaining tips as they started to plan their own careers.

The college also signed a partnership agreement with Riipen, a Canadian technology platform that facilitates micro-experiential learning opportunities, which enabled students to work directly with an industry partner to complete work that benefits the partner. This partnership also connected to the curriculum, counting towards their classwork and academic 22 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021

outcomes. Five programs adopted Riipen as part of their curriculum in the 202021 academic year, including business, geography, marketing, English and Digital Communications and Media (DCM) classes.

While many students adapted to online learning, others continued to receive hands-on instruction in small cohorts in programs like Culinary Careers, Nursing, Digital Communications and Media, Welding, Automotives, Plumbing and more. Whether they were learning to bake a delectable dessert, insert an IV, create a television news program or fabricate metal parts, they put their classroom theory into practice while following safety guidelines. For students in the Wind Turbine Technician program, that meant climbing in and learning with the college’s new, full-sized wind turbine nacelle that sits in the larger-than-life lab.

who choose from the more than 60 certificate, diploma, applied degree and apprenticeship programs Lethbridge College offers, receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the future in a safe and supportive learning environment.

For the fall semester, the college plans to continue with its current flexible learning environment, which includes online, on-campus and blended course delivery depending on the needs of each course. The college’s academic leaders worked with faculty to determine which classes will be held on-campus. Strict health and safety measures are in place for all on-campus classes and labs. The goal is to create the best experience possible for students in their learning journey – while finding new and creative ways to support them in and outside the “classroom.” n

Be Ready

OUR JOB IS TO ENSURE STUDENTS ARE READY FOR THEIRS. This fall, students can choose from more than 60 best-in-class certificate, diploma, applied degree and apprenticeship programs at Lethbridge College. Students will benefit from small-classes, work-integrated learning opportunities and a campus community that knows what happens next matters most – and so is committed to supporting students on every step of their educational journey.

Learn more at lethbridgecollege.ca/future-students

OVER OUR NEW RESOURCES

Bring the forest to your classroom We may be going out on a limb here… but today’s students and teachers are looking for engaging and interactive learning experiences.

See how Work Wild makes forests, sustainability, and career planning come alive! Check out our curriculum-supporting resources.

Book a classroom presentation: info@workwild.ca