Student Support and Safety
What are the specialized services in Pembina Hills?
Schools have access to staff who can provide personal support, such as Counsellors, Success Coaches, Student & Family Advocates, Indigenous Liaisons and a School Resource Officer (select schools). These staff members and professionals build positive relationships by connecting with students in hallways and classrooms, check in with students when concerns are noticed, and help resolve conflicts between students. Some roles may also provide educational presentations. 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 in or have 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.
Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
In 2019, the Alberta government passed the Protection of Students with Life-threatening Allergies Act, requiring all school staff to receive yearly training regarding severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), the use of adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen®), and how to prevent allergy issues at school.
All students with severe allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector, and their parents should work with school staff to create a medical plan. Schools are also required to have additional auto-injectors available.
In an emergency, if it appears a student is having an anaphylactic event (where their throat is swelling closed, preventing breathing), the legislation and our training direct staff to call 9-1-1 and use the school’s epinephrine auto-injector, even if this has not been previously prescribed to the student.