Student Services Support Staff
AVHS School Counsellors:
Sarah Wellwood, MEd (Counselling)
School Counsellor (Grades 11 & 12)
Office: 902-792-6743
Email: wellwoods@gnspes.ca
Kelly Murphy, MEd (Counselling)
School Counsellor (Grades 9 & 10)
Office: 902-798-6631
Email: ka-murphy@gnspes.ca
Adolescent Outreach Worker -
Hannah Stewart, RSW
Cell: 902-790-7094
Email: Hannah.Stewart@nshealth.ca
The Adolescent Outreach Worker works for Nova Scotia Health Authority in Mental Health and Addictions Services and is available through Student Services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hannah is able to provide confidential counselling for students at AVHS and works to support students with concerns such as: low mood/depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, substance use and body image. She also works to facilitate mental health promotion groups at school.
Students may self-refer to see Hannah or can be connected with her with the support of a school counsellor.
Attendance Support Worker -
Attendance Support Worker: Stephanie Ettinger
Cell: 902-599-2282
Providing attendance support for students in the West Hants Family of Schools.
Native Student Advisor TBA - This position is not currently filled
Native Student Advisors are dedicated to enhancing the learning environment and experiences of Indigenous students
What is the Native Student Advisor Program?
The primary role of the Native Student Advisor (NSA) is to support students of Indigenous descent and their families, to make schooling a more positive experience, helping students achieve success and remain in school.
Native Student Advisors work with the support of the school administration and staff, under the direction of the Coordinator of Mi'kmaw Education Services. They work as part of a team, which includes students, parents, principals, teachers, support staff and, at times, community agencies.
Click here for More about the NSA Support Program for Students
NS Works Student Liaison
Stephen Johnson
Email: sjohnson@vansda.ca
Mr. Johnson is on-site at AVHS on Thursdays
Student Support Worker
Student Support Worker: Tristan Sampson
Email: tristan.sampson@avrce.ca
Dedicated to enhancing the learning environment and school experiences of students of African Descent
The primary role of the Student Support Worker is to provide support to students of African descent and their families to help make schooling a more positive experience, which in turn helps students achieve success and remain in school.
Student Support Workers (SSWs) work in collaboration with school principals and staff, under the direction of the Coordinator of African Canadian Education Service. They work as part of a team that includes students, parents/guardians, principals, teachers, support staff and sometimes community agencies.
Click here for More About SSW Support Program for Students
Schools Plus Staff
SchoolsPlus Facilitator:
Emilie Smith, MSW, RSW
Email: Emilie.Smith@avrce.ca
Office: (902) 790-6765 Cell: (902)-790-6123
What is SchoolsPlus? How does it work?
SchoolsPlus is a collaborative interagency approach supporting the whole child and their family, with the school as the centre of service delivery.
SchoolsPlus sites are supported by a facilitator and a community outreach worker. They act as liaisons between the school and community; they advocate, coordinate, and expand services for students and families. They help families navigate the system and get the services they need.
SchoolsPlus staff work with representatives from Health and Wellness, Education, Community Services, Justice, as well as community-based organizations, to offer a range of services and programs for children, youth, and their families.
Click here for More on the Schools Plus Program
Social Media: West Hants SchoolsPlus Facebook Page