Posted on 2026-10-22 19:58:03.169 +0000 UTC
At the October 20 Board meeting, HPSD's Board of Trustees welcomed πππ₯ππ§π ππ₯π’π ππ«, Director of Student Mental Health, and ππ’π¦ ππππ¨π§π§ππ₯π₯, District Principal of Systems Supports and Services, for a joint presentation on student mental health, inclusive education, and strengthening supports across the Division.
Selena highlighted the Division's focus on universal mental health programming, with Wellness Coaches increasing their presence in schools through lunch-and-learns, group activities, and social-emotional learning opportunities. These initiatives help students of all ages develop coping strategies, emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Wellness Coaches collaborate with teachers, administrators, Learning Support Teachers, families, and community partners to coordinate student supports. They also participate in land-based learning and school mentorship initiatives. Selena shared a success story from one of the Division's high schools, where a group called Healthy Identities brings younger male students together with a Grade 12 mentor for conversations about emotions and healthy emotional expression. These initiatives help build relationships, normalize conversations about mental health, and strengthen students' coping skills and resilience.
Kim outlined the Division's inclusive education priorities, emphasizing that every student has the ability to learn and grow, regardless of their starting point or individual needs. Guided by the principles of Knowing, Doing, and Being, the Division is working to strengthen inclusive practices and create school environments where every student feels a sense of belonging.
Building staff capacity is central to this work, with professional development for Educational Assistants, bus drivers, and other staff, along with a focus on consistent, respectful, student-centred language. Ward 4 Trustee Joy McGregor expressed her appreciation for this approach, stating, π° ππππ πππ ππππππππ πππππππππ - ππππππππππ ππππππππ ππππππ
ππππππ ππππππ."
Kim also highlighted how Individual Program Plans (IPPs) help students become advocates for their own learning. Beginning as early as Grade 2, students can participate in setting goals based on their current abilities, gradually taking a more active role in their learning by Grades 4 and 5. The goal is to develop self-advocacy skills that will serve students throughout their education and into post-secondary.
When Trustee McGregor asked how parents struggling to support their children at home could access help, Selena explained that families can contact their child's school to be connected with the Wellness Coach.
Pictured left-to-right: Selena Sliger, Director of Student Mental Health, and Kim McConnell, District Principal of Systems Supports and Services.Β
