Student Support and Safety

What are the specialized services in Pembina Hills?

All of our schools have access to staff who can provide personal support, such as Counsellors, Success Coaches, Student & Family Advocates, and Indigenous Liaisons. These staff members connect with students in hallways and classrooms, check in when concerns are noticed, and help resolve conflicts between students. Generally, parents are contacted if there is a need for ongoing support.

We also work with professional specialists—such as Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Psychologists—who regularly visit classrooms to provide consultation to teachers. As part of their work, they may interact informally with many students. If the school believes it would be helpful for these professionals to work individually with your child, you will be contacted to discuss the purpose, ask questions, and give your consent before support begins.

Many of our schools have sensory or regulation rooms (e.g. “Snoezelen Rooms” or “Flex Rooms”). These spaces are designed to help students regulate and refocus. Some students use them regularly as a proactive support. These rooms

• Are optional for students (they may choose to go and leave when ready).
• Are discussed with parents if used regularly.
• Are not used for punishment.

Who should I contact if I think my child requires specialized supports? If you are interested or have any questions about specialized support for your child, the first person to contact is your school’s Inclusive Education Lead Teacher (IELT), Inclusive Education Coordinator (IEC) or principal.

Unique Situations

Resolving Conflicts

If students or parents have questions or concerns, we encourage them to first speak with the staff member involved. If this does not resolve the issue, the principal is the next point of contact. Further steps are available through our division office. The full process is outlined in Administrative Procedure 20-03 School Dispute Resolution (External Communication Protocol).

Responding to Threats

We want to give parents and students fair notice that Pembina Hills responds to all threats of violence. Our division works with community partners through the Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Protocol to investigate and respond to situations requiring further attention.

Students are not permitted to bring any type of real or replica (toy) weapons to school.

School administrators may also address incidents that happen outside of school hours or off school grounds, if they affect the safety and well-being of students (e.g. threats or cyberbullying)

Duty to Report

By law, all individuals are required to report any suspicion of child abuse. Pembina Hills staff will contact Alberta Child and Family Services if there are concerns.

Because reports are anonymous, the principal is unable to respond to questions about who has made a report. If Alberta Child and Family Services chooses to investigate, they are responsible for notifying parents and speaking with the child.