In The Middle of Middle School

Life Concerns:

To Help You:

Results of the 2003 Bullying Survey at OV


WHERE CAN I TURN TO WHEN I MAY NEED SOME HELP??? The counselling program at Oceanview Middle School is an organized program for all students to assist them in understanding themselves and others, and to make their educational experiences meaningful. The paramount goal for the program is to afford each student the opportunity to make choices, plans and adjustments during the very crucial middle school years. Every student in the Middle School has at his/her availability the services of a counsellor in their grade division. The role of the counsellor is to assist the student in the developmental process that continues throughout his life. This process includes knowledge of self, awareness of opportunities, and the applications of these factors in decision-making. We recognize the challenges involved in growing up are common to all, yet unique to each individual. Our objectives are to help students: Use the learning resources of the school Become more independent through increasing self-understanding Participate in educational planning Interact in a more satisfying manner with peers, teachers and family. In order to meet the objectives to help students, a wide variety of guidance and counselling activities can include: Academic counselling Supportive counselling related to social, family and personal adjustment Registration and orientation of new students Conferences with teachers, administrators, parents and students Post middle school planning Identification and referral of students to appropriate services and agencies Counselling students experiencing problems related to family Counselling students in conflict with others Information and counselling programs relating to substance abuse Group meetings with students on various topics We believe that in many circumstances students can find the solutions to their problems within themselves and we as counsellors can help facilitate this process. Students can access the counsellors at Oceanview by dropping in or leaving an appointment request slip at the main office or in the mail pocket at the counsellors’ office. Counselling request slips will be available to students in each classroom in a paper pocket . The grade specific counsellor: Mrs.Kramer-Clarke (me) for grade 8 and Mr. Marciniak for grade 7. BOTTOM LINE: COUNSELLING IS A SERVICE TO YOU AND OTHER STUDENTS. If you know another student is seeing a counsellor it is not your place to ask questions or make fun of the students for choosing to address their concerns. Need to see us?? Drop in (tell your teacher first) or if we are busy and not available, make an appointment at the office we will get to you as soon as we can because you are very important to us!! Congrats! You never thought the moment would arrive, but here it is...you've finally graduated from elementary school! Now it's time to move on up to the big leagues. That's right...you're about to take on middle school.

The transition to middle school is different for everyone. Some kids may find themselves at an entirely new location, while other students may only have to switch floors. One thing always remains the same about this important step-up: it's a chance for adventure and to start with a clean slate. You'll encounter new people, new school subjects, new activities, and many more teachers than you're used to. This may seem scary because you're now a small fish in a big pond, but remember: all new experiences are frightening at first. If you have the right attitude and solid info on what to expect, you'll be a middle school pro in no time. In the next section, we explore What's Different about middle school.