Social Emotional Counseling

The Elementary Counseling Program supports students’ social and emotional growth in a caring and inclusive environment. The ES counselor works with students through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual check-ins, in partnership with teachers and families, to help children build confidence, manage emotions, and develop healthy relationships.

In the Elementary School, we use the Second Step program to teach skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. Students also learn Kelso’s Choice, which helps them handle everyday conflicts in positive and respectful ways. Our counseling lessons include the Second Step Child Protection Unit, where students learn about personal safety, recognizing unsafe situations, and identifying trusted adults they can go to for help.

This year, we placed a stronger focus on identity, inclusion, and belonging at the beginning of the school year. Lessons such as All About Me and Inclusion and Belonging were designed to help students understand the role of the school counselor, normalize visiting the counseling office, and remove any stigma around asking for support. These lessons also give students meaningful opportunities to share who they are and where they come from. As part of this learning, students explore their own identities, cultures, and backgrounds, while also learning about and appreciating the experiences of their peers. This helps build a strong sense of belonging, inclusion, and mutual respect within our school community.

Throughout the year, the counseling program also highlights important days that help students understand why certain topics matter. World Mental Health Day and anti-bullying initiatives are key examples. Age-appropriate resources are shared and explored both at school and at home to help reinforce these important messages.

Later in the year, the ES Principal and ES Counselor work together with Grade 5 students to support learning about growing up and puberty. Boys and girls are spoken to separately, and giggles and awkward questions are always welcome. These sessions help students understand how and why their bodies are changing and provide a safe, supportive space for questions and discussion.

Overall, the Elementary Counseling Program focuses on prevention, early support, and helping every child feel safe, cared for, supported, and valued at school.