Notes from the Counsellor’s Office: 

Confidentiality: 

The nature of a counselling relationship is based upon confidentiality and trust. A person who places their trust in a counsellor wants to be assured that what they say is held in confidence. There are some circumstances where the counsellor must report to someone else. These are as follows:

1) when disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others;

2) when legal requirements demand that confidential material be revealed

3) when a child is in need of protection 

It is important that students and parents be aware of the requirements of counsellors by their code of ethics with regard to confidentiality. It is also important to know, that if a counsellor is required to break confidence it is for the protection of the client. The counsellor will act in the best interest of the client. 

Announcements from the Counsellor’s Office:

Oct. 1 - 7: Mental Illness Awareness Week.

One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. It’s important that we educate everyone about mental illness and reduce the negative feelings associated with the disease. There are myths that have led to misunderstandings about mental illness. This has prevented many people from seeking help when they need it. For more information on Mental Illness, please visit: www.miaw-ssmm.ca

October 1-7th: PEI Verbal Abuse Prevention Week To find out more about this week and how it began on PEI, please visit: http://www.edu.pe.ca/wsb/newsnotes/material/martell03.htm

Some subject teachers will be focussing on verbal abuse prevention in their classes. Discuss this with your son or daughter at home and ask them how they can help prevent this issue in school and in the community. 

Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 10 and 17^th: Career Seminar in the Counselling area 2:35 pm. An opportunity for grade 12 students to have their questions answered regarding careers, post secondary applications, Colleges and Universities or other concerns they have with regard to graduation. 

Wednesday Oct. 4^th: A presentation on "CyberBullying" and "Internet Dangers" featuring Constable Don Crozier with the RCMP and a panel of youth at the Jubilee Theatre, Summerside. 7 to 9 pm. Admission Free - directed for parents, caregivers and other family members who work with youth. All are welcome. 

Thursday Oct. 5^th: Healthy Choices Program: This is a new program for KISH. It  focuses on the life skills needed for students to be successful in making healthy choices in their lives. It is hoped that these decisions will impact on their families and communities in a positive way. The grade 10 students will be involved in a series of 8 presentations (1 a month from October to May) that will focus on raising the awareness of youth with regard to the issues they face each day. A handout will be given with descriptions of the presentations being made to the grade 10 students. A series of parent presentations will be available for parents. A handout will also be given with regard to these parent presentations in late Oct. The first presentation is October 5^th and will be made by Aids PEI.

As a part of this program we are looking for door prizes that we will draw for at the end of each presentation. This is to reward students for their good behaviour while attending the presentation as well as create more excitement around the presentations. If any one in the community would like to purchase or to donate a door prize from their business we would really appreciate your support. Please drop donations off to the office area and say that it is for the "Positive Choices Program fro gr. 10 students". 

As a part of this program, Kensington Int. Sr. High would like to thank Arlington Orchards U-Pick apple farm in Arlington PEI for their generous donation of apples for each student who attends the presentation on Thursday, Oct. 5^th . An apple definitely represents a healthy eating choice! 

Sunday, Oct. 10^th, 6 - 8 pm, or Tuesday, Oct. 10^th, 7 - 9 pm: "Boundaries With Teens" This is a practical seminar for parents to help you navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. In this seminar, best - selling author John Townsend offer biblically based principles that teach parents how to:

a) set healthy limits and realistic consequences

b) deal with disrespectful attitudes and irresponsible behaviors

c) establish loving and caring rules

d) develop problem-solving strategies 

Oct. 18^th: Representatives from the Army will be available in the hall way outside the cafeteria to speak with students interested in a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Recruiters will be available with their display between 11:10 and 12:30. 

Oct. 23^rd: Career Day:

1:00 - 2:00 Grade 11 and 12 students are bussed to TOSH for an opportunity to speak with College and University Representatives as well as representatives from private schools.

7:00 - 8:30 Parents Night: Parents can visit TOSH to speak with recruiters and have their own questions answered.. 

Nov. 1: Take Our Kids To Work Day: This program is a chance for grade 10 students to explore a potential career opportunity and to gain a better understanding of what their parents do each day at work. Students will spend the complete day at a place of employment. If it is not possible to go to work with your parent, you can also go with a neighbor, family friend, an aunt or an uncle. The most important thing is to ask if you can spend the day with them and really check out how they spend their day. Three Oaks Sr. High School hosts their career day on Oct. 23 and as a result, the Summerside Tax Centre only opens their doors for the purposes of this program on Oct. 23. You must keep this in mind if you are trying to make arrangements with this employer. For more information, visit the website: http://www.takeourkidstowork.ca/ 
 

Other Information: 

Student Assistance Program will be starting for all grade 7 students ASAP. Grade 7 parents, please watch for a handout which will be sent home with information regarding this program. 

Positive Parenting From Two Homes: A cost free program that help parents manage the effects of separation, divorce and parenting from two homes on your children. 

Positive Parenting From Two Homes: Children’s Program: A cost free program that allows children to talk with other children who are living in a family that is being parented from two homes. One or both parents must have already taken the Positive Parenting From Two Homes parent education sessions for your child to be enrolled. 

For information on and registration for these programs call toll free 1-877-203-8828