Wolf Creek Public School (WCPS) social workers were kept busy in the past year, with nearly 10,000 individual counselling sessions completed across the division, and received 'high marks' from students.
Trustees heard an annual report on the School Social Workers (SSW) program during their board meeting on Oct. 24, at the division office in Ponoka.
The program provided 9,754 individual counselling sessions with family dynamics, anxiety, grief, and peer conflict being the most frequent areas of focus. A total of 1,263 individual referrals were made.
Data in the report showed high levels of student satisfaction with social worker support, from over 95 per cent from kindergarten to Grade 7, 83.9 per cent from grades 7 to 9, 63.6 per cent in grades 10 to 12, and 15.7 per cent indicating they were unsure or still working through issues.
"We are pleased that we are able to provide a high level of support for students and schools (and) at the same time it is good to know students are comfortable accessing these supports," said assistant superintendent of Education Services Kevin Newman.
"However, the numbers also indicate an ongoing, increasing need in schools and communities and highlight the challenges students and families face beyond the school."
"Seeing high student satisfaction means we are reaching students in a valuable and useful way," said Director of Education Services and SSW clinical and mental health supports Barb Reaney.
"We do see the number declining as we move through junior high but we know there are complexities there and the satisfactions of support there does remain strong."
The SSW program, formerly known as the Family School Liaison Program, has been a part of WCPS for 20 years.
The program offers support services to families and individuals who may be experiencing difficulties at home.
Some of the concerns social workers can help with include classroom or playground concerns, or emotional, social or family concerns as well as behavioural issues.
Referrals can by made by family Members, school Staff or students themselves.
For more information about services, inquire at your child's school or contact Reaney at 403-783-3473.
