Division Priority Two: Student Mental Wellbeing
Northern Lights Public Schools is committed to promoting and providing healthy, safe environments for all students. Students learn best when they feel safe, are respected, and have their mental wellbeing supported. The World Health Organization defines mental health as ‘a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can learn/work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their school/community.’
Outcome
Student mental health and wellbeing is intentionally reinforced through access to a variety of resources and supports. Students will feel safe, respected and will demonstrate greater capacity in the areas of mental health and wellbeing described above.
Performance Measures
For this priority, performance measures will include the NLPS Student Mental Health Survey. The survey is administered in the spring of each year. Some schools opt to provide supplementary surveys aimed at assessing the mental wellbeing and overall wellness of their students in addition to these measures. Mental Health Survey results are reviewed by school administration and further analyzed as teams at an administrative council meeting in the spring each year. Other measures include the number of referrals for support through Student Advocacy Counsellors, and progress in Positive Behaviour and Intervention Supports (PBIS).
Specific measures include:
- NLPS Mental Health Survey Results (spring)
- Alberta Education Assurance Survey measures:
- Percentage of teachers, parents and students who are satisfied that students are safe at school, are learning the importance of caring for others, are learning respect for others, and are treated fairly at school.
- Percentage of teachers, parents and students who are satisfied that learning environments are welcoming, caring, respectful and safe.
Plan for Implementation - Strategies
Strategies to provide supports for students in the area of mental health and wellbeing have been designated into three tiers of supports: Universal supports that benefit all students, targeted supports for students who need additional programming, and individualized supports for students who require specialized strategies and/or wrap-around supports to address their mental health needs.
Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) is committed to supporting student success through a comprehensive array of human resources. The division employs Student Advocacy Counsellors, Student Support Team Coordinators, the Director of Learning - Student Services, the Director of Learning - Inclusive Education, administration and teaching staff, and CASA Classroom staff. Additional support facilitated by NLPS and funded by external sources includes the Successful Families Successful Kids/Mental Health Capacity Building Team and the Community Helpers Program Coordinator. Training opportunities will be provided for division staff in the area of mental health first aid. These resources help to build staff capacity and collective efficacy to ensure ongoing improvement.
Northern Lights Public Schools continues to be committed to advancing Positive Behaviour and Intervention Supports (PBIS) in schools. The division is continuing work with Tom Hierck to concentrate on universal initiatives across all school teams. Enhanced services and training on PBIS strategies will be provided to specific schools along with ongoing support from Student Services to ensure successful implementation.
Northern Lights Public Schools will continue to work toward community partnerships such as with Bonnyville Primary Care Network (PCN) to ensure children have access to quality mental health supports. These partnerships will aim to build resources for staff and students and remove barriers wherever possible. Partnerships in other local communities will be explored and developed.
Northern Lights Public Schools has partnered with CASA (Child Adolescent Services for All) Mental Health in the implementation of a CASA classroom. This program will be in its second year in 2025-2026 with service up to 12 students per semester in grades 4-9.