SCHOOL COUNSELLORS ESSENTIAL IN CANADIAN SCHOOLS
Canadian School Counselling Week 2024

This week marks the 10th anniversary of Canadian School Counselling Week, celebrated by the School Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). The week recognizes the contributions of the School Counselling profession to the personal, social, educational, and career development of students at all grade levels. The work of School Counsellors is paramount in promoting student development for future success, and they support the mental health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.

"It is imperative that all students have access to professionally qualified School Counsellors who provide Comprehensive School Counselling programs and services as part of a multi-tiered system of support," said Dr. Janice Graham-Migel, President of the CCPA School Counsellors Chapter. "As members of a multi-disciplinary team, School Counsellors are essential in supporting the well-being and development, life transition and career planning, and the learning and achievement of students."

When working directly with Canada's youth, School Counsellors support their diverse social and academic needs, as well as life and career planning. School Counsellors advocate for providing community-based services when support is needed beyond the classroom. As mental health professionals, School Counsellors are responsible for maintaining a high standard of professional competence and ethical behaviour.

"Since 2016, there have been reports in the news of a widespread lack of School Counsellors in schools1. Now more than ever, we need to highlight the essential value they add to our youths' mental health and future life and career success," shared Carrie Foster, CCPA President.

CCPA believes in ensuring that all children and youth have access to professionally qualified School Counsellors. Through Comprehensive School Counselling programs and services, prevention and early intervention, School Counsellors can make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in Canada.

To learn more, please visit the CCPA School Counsellors Chapter website at: www.ccpa-accp.ca/chapters/school-counsellors-chapter/