Student Services and Diverse Needs Programming

We offer students assistance with program planning, course selection, tutorial help and other academic concerns. Both lunch break seminars and individual counselling sessions are available to help students with study skills, exam writing and other relevant topics. Families and students can also contact Student Services for information about scholarships, grants and loans, English language learner needs, specialized learning supports and First Nations, Métis and Inuit transition supports.

Sound planning is important for high school students as they work to earn the qualifications for an Alberta High School Diploma. Many choices await graduating students following the completion of high school, so beginning to plan for post-secondary in Grades 10 and 11 is essential.

Visit Student Services for more information and to meet with our counsellor or wellness coach. Our assistant principals meet with students regularly and keep parents and guardians informed about attendance and academic progress towards the completion of high school (this includes regular grad requirement checks).

Students may access services to address issues that arise out of conflicts between friends and family members or to address personal concerns and worries that make it difficult to carry on their studies and interfere with their well-being. Our counsellors can also serve as liaisons between students, families, community services, our Gender and Sexuality Alliance or other support agencies.

As student wellness is a priority, we provide:

• lunch and learn opportunities related to time management, anxiety, stress, financial literacy and more

• Career and Life Management (CALM) course

• in-class, teacher-led discussions and specialty presentations

We are here to help students define possible future career pathways. We can provide information on career trends and prerequisites for colleges, universities and technical schools. We’ll find opportunities for students to attend orientation sessions and open houses at postsecondary institutions. We also provide career-related information in a number of ways:

• regular updates posted on SchoolZone and the Daily Howl

• bulletin board displays

• one-on-one career counselling

• post-secondary planning meetings, including sessions offered by post-secondary representatives from across Canada

• scholarship and resumé writing sessions

• Agora Day presentations

Represents a commitment to equitable (fair) access, dignity and safety for all people of all orientations and identities. Individuals and organizations can provide safe spaces.

At Dr. Anne Anderson, we have a large and growing Gay-Straight Student Alliance. Gay-Straight Student Alliances or queer-straight student alliances (GSAs or QSAs) are student-run and teacher-supported school-based groups that work to create welcoming, caring, respectful and safe spaces for sexual and gender minority students and their allies in schools

Student Services works with Elders and First Nations, Métis and Inuit liaison and consultants to provide specialized support for Indigenous students. Supports include:

• weekly breakfast/lunch group meetings with an Elder

• regular high school course completion supports

• specialized sessions and resources related to postsecondary Aboriginal admission requirements and scholarships

• family connections through phone calls, information sessions and conferencing

• personal supports related to specific needs

• connections to community agencies that support employment, cultural growth, health and wellness

• leadership opportunities such as public speaking and volunteerism