Learning Services Services
LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES
We have a team of teachers, counsellors, youth care workers, and educational assistants that provide students with the support that they might need, whether that be academic, social-emotional, behavioural, or cultural. There are a wide variety of students that are supported through our programs here at Yale. Enrollment in most of these programs are referred directly through the counselling department. If you are interested to learn more about any specific programs or whether or not you might be eligible to participate in one of these programs, please speak to your counsellor.
ACADEMIC LEARNING SUPPORT
If you have consistent difficulty with your academic classes, you may be eligible for academic support through our Learning Support Services department. There are a wide variety of students that we support through support blocks and through specific case management. There are supports that we can provide in the classroom through educational assistants (EAs), peer tutors, and facilitated teacher communication, but there are also dedicated support blocks that we can offer to students who need additional time and instruction in their course work. Support blocks are designed as a specific support outside of the learning that happens in their regular classroom. The structure of a support block will be determined by the teacher, but time may be spent on homework completion, academic skill building, self-regulation, study and organization habits, and more – all of which can help you do your best and be successful in your academic classes! If you think you may qualify for a support block, please speak directly to your counsellor or any of the following support teachers.
Teacher Ms. Melissa Friskie melissa.friskie@abbyschools.ca
Teacher Mrs. Laura Unger laura.unger@abbyschools.ca
Teacher Mr. David Blades david.blades@abbyschools.ca
LOTUS
We are here to provide you with support and to advocate for your needs in the school. Should you require help communicating with your teachers, someone to vent to, or someone to help you cope through a wave of anxiety, we are here for you. To provide a safe environment, free from all judgement, where students can feel safe to explore coping strategies necessary to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, all the while receiving social emotional and academic support. To receive a timetabled support block in Lotus, please talk to your counsellor.
Teacher Mr. Brendan Ha brendan.ha@abbyschools.ca
Youth Care Worker Ms. Katie Savage katie.savage@abbyschools.ca
TRAVERSE
The Traverse program is dedicated to fostering student success by providing a supportive haven within the school environment. Our staff serve as committed advocates for students, offering a blend of academic and social/emotional support to enhance the educational experience.
Academic Support:
-Targeted Support Sessions: Personalized academic assistance in core subjects to meet individual student needs.
-Coordination with Classroom Teachers: Close collaboration with teachers to identify students who are struggling, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
-Skills Development Workshops: Regularly scheduled workshops designed to enhance essential academic skills, including time management, note-taking, and exam preparation strategies.
-Homework Help: Structured time within Traverse sessions dedicated to completing homework, with support available to address any learning gaps and reinforce classroom material.
Social/Emotional Support:
-Emotional Guidance: Continuous emotional support to help students navigate the complexities of school life.
-Conflict Resolution: Assistance with resolving conflicts between students and teachers/administrators, fostering a harmonious school environment.
-Behavior Monitoring: Support for teachers by monitoring and addressing behavioral issues in the classroom, promoting a conducive learning atmosphere.
-Collaborative Communication: Active communication and collaboration with school staff, parents, and external agencies to support holistic student development.
-Pro-social Skills Training: Instruction in pro-social skills to enhance students' interpersonal interactions and social responsibility.
For information contact:
Teacher Mr. Tanner Wellington tanner.wellington@abbyschools.ca
Youth Care Worker Ms. Hayley Davey hayley.davey@abbyschools.ca
INDIGENOUS SUPPORT
The Indigenous program aims to support students who identify as Indigenous in their school life. This is done through a variety of methods such as:
- Social and emotional support
- Cultural enhancement programs
- Assisting with communication between students, teachers, caregivers
- Direct academic interventions
For more information contact:
Teacher for Indigenous Success Ms. Jessica Richardson jessica.richardson@abbyschools.ca
Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Cyndi Orth cyndi.orth@abbyschools.ca
Indigenous Support Worker Ms. Rachael Riggs rachael.riggs@abbyschools.ca
LIFE SKILLS/WORK EXPERIENCE
This program is specifically designed to foster an inclusive educational environment that empowers designated learners to achieve their individual academic and vocational goals. It also aims to integrate these students more deeply into the school's culture and peer networks.
Key Objectives:
-Academic Integration: Provides tailored instruction in foundational academic subjects to support students' educational development and integration.
-Lifestyle Independence: Scaffolds learning to promote independence, focusing on practical life skills such as managing personal lifestyle needs and using transportation.
-Community Connection: Actively links students with external community agencies, businesses, and organizations to enhance their social and professional networks.
-Workforce Preparation: Prepares students for meaningful participation in the workforce through practical work experience activities. This includes opportunities to apply new skills in real-world settings, thereby facilitating smoother transitions into various occupational fields.
This program not only equips students with necessary academic and life skills but also ensures they are well-prepared to contribute effectively and confidently in the workforce and society.
For information, contact: Mr. Juno Kim juno.kim@abbyschools.ca
INCLUSION SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR COMPLEX NEEDS
Purpose of Program: To prepare students and assist them in becoming independent and confident members of society. To provide academic and social support to students based on individual needs. Students are integrated as much as possible with support from the special education assistants and the program teacher. When necessary, course material is modified and the student is presented with various methods by which to master it. Teaching of personal living skills and strategies to resolve frustration and stress is integral to the program.
For information, contact: Mr. Colin Colquhoun colin.colquhoun@abbyschools.ca
YALE HOMEWORK CLUB
Yale’s Homework Club is a self-referral process whereby students can access academic assistance in the Learning Commons after school. The club meets each day Monday – Thursday from 2:30 to 3:45 pm.
For information, contact: Mrs. Laura Unger laura.unger@abbyschools.ca