The Prince Albert Catholic School Division has been awarded $10,000 from the provincial government to enhance mental health training and capacity-building within the division. The funding will support a range of initiatives designed to improve understanding of mental health issues, particularly in the context of the school environment.
Focus on Mental Health Training and Capacity Building
During a regular board meeting, Director of Education Lorel Trumier updated the board on the allocation of the funds, emphasizing the importance of mental health training for both staff and students. She noted that the money has been effectively utilized to build staff capacity in understanding and addressing mental health challenges.
“I think anything that we can do to support the capacity building of understanding mental health and in particular training, you can see that we have put to good use,” Trumier said, underscoring the positive impact of the training on the division’s staff and overall approach to mental health.
Trauma-Informed Practices and Anxiety Reduction Training
A significant portion of the funding was used to facilitate a Centre for Trauma-Informed Practices (CTIP) virtual session for all in-school and senior administration members. The session focused on reducing anxiety among students, particularly concerning the province’s new cell phone policy.
The session provided valuable guidance on managing anxiety around policy changes and offered practical strategies for educators to support students who may feel stressed or disrupted by the introduction of the new rules. The session concluded with a question-and-answer portion, allowing staff to clarify any concerns and gain further insight into managing student well-being during transitions.
CTIP Violence Risk Threat Assessment Training
In addition to the anxiety reduction session, the funding also supported the training of three key staff members in CTIP Violence Risk Threat Assessment Level 1. The staff members who received this training were Superintendent Charity Dmytruk, Ecole St. Mary High School Principal Dwayne Gareau, and Vice Principal Jason Bourdon. This training is part of the Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol signed recently by the division.
The CTIP training program focuses on equipping staff with the skills needed to assess and respond to potential threats within the school environment. It provides a framework for evaluating risk, identifying early warning signs, and intervening when necessary to ensure the safety and mental well-being of students.
Collaboration with Local Police
As part of the Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol, Prince Albert Police Service also contributed to the initiative by training an officer in the CTIP Violence Risk Threat Assessment. This collaboration ensures that both school officials and law enforcement are aligned in their approach to assessing and responding to potential threats, creating a safer and more supportive environment for students and staff alike.
Looking Ahead
The Prince Albert Catholic School Division continues to prioritize mental health and safety, and the funding received will further support their efforts. By providing training in trauma-informed practices and violence risk assessment, the division aims to create a more supportive and secure school environment for all students.
Conclusion
This funding initiative demonstrates the province’s commitment to enhancing mental health training and support within educational settings. By empowering staff with the knowledge and skills to manage mental health challenges, the Prince Albert Catholic School Division is taking proactive steps to ensure the well-being of both students and staff. As the program evolves, it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on fostering a safer, more understanding school environment.
