Peace Wapiti Public School Division students and parents are receiving mental health support through five wellness services meant to help students who have lost interest and engagement in their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistant Superintendent Shawn O’Shea says they made the decision after realizing they are many students experiencing mental distress since the start of the pandemic.
“Our districts consulted with the school administrator and one of the areas was mental health for students and parents who have lost engagement in school.”
Mental Health Team therapists provide assessments and interventions to students, staff, and families. O’Shea says so far they have seen encouraging results.
“It helps us put a preventable strategy in place to help students re-engage in their learning. So we can hopefully help them graduate, and get them back engage in school.”
Last year Alberta Education provided schools at Peace Wapiti School Division with mental health support grant funding for a length of two years.
