The research is increasingly clear that relationships are the basis for learning. But as schools, how do we create the conditions for healthy relationships, so that good pedagogy and good learning can actually happen? Shalem offers two forms of support for schools—from elementary to university.
Counselling Assistance Plan for Students (CAPS)
Through the Counselling Assistance Plan for Students, schools make available to all of their students up to four counselling sessions in a school year from a local, Master’s degree-level psychotherapist, anonymously and at no cost to the student. We are pleased that seven schools in Ontario—six high schools (one of which includes a middle school) and one university (Redeemer University College) are making CAPS available to all of their students. The list is growing and will soon include elementary schools. Please contact Marg Smit-Vandezande, Shalem’s Director of CAPS Services, to find out how your school can sign up.
EduCARE (Educational Communities Affirming Restorative Experiences)
It has now been several years since “zero tolerance” has been officially scrapped as a “discipline” policy in schools. But it was scrapped without much thought to an adequate replacement. What then is filling the void?
More and more schools and school boards across Canada are turning to “restorative practice” as a way of building healthy relationships in classrooms, on the school yard, and with parents—and of creating conditions ideal for learning.
Shalem’s EduCARE program supports classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, school administrators and school boards to embrace restorative practice as a framework for nurturing healthy relationships, dealing effectively with bullying, and embedding a relationship framework in strong pedagogy. EduCARE has partnered with numerous schools and school boards, not just across Ontario but also in the Dominican Republic, Bermuda and Haiti. As with all of Shalem’s restorative practice work, we enjoy a strong partnership with the International Institute for Restorative Practices—Canada (a national leader in school-based restorative practice work). EduCARE works especially in partnership with the family of organizations that support Christian schools in Ontario. Contact Anne Martin, Shalem’s Director of Restorative Practice Services, for information on how your school can engage EduCARE.
Engaging both EduCARE and CAPS gives your school a comprehensive spectrum of mental health support!
