Student Services
Welcome to ESBCHS Student Services
At ESBCHS our Student Services department is committed to assisting students both academically and personally to ensure each student’s high school experience is positive. Students can drop in or make an appointment to see a Counsellor in the Student Services offices from 8:15 am to 4:00 pm daily. Parents are encouraged to contact the counsellors to discuss any concerns.
PLEASE NOTE: Counsellors see students based on legal last name as shown below:
General Information
Mrs. Theresa Busenius
email: theresa.busenius@blackgold.ca
Phone: 780.929.1340
Department Head / Counsellor H – Z
Mrs. Kim Thomas
email: kim.thomas@blackgold.ca
Phone: 780.929.1307
Counsellor A – G
Mrs. Leaha Severson
email: leaha.severson@blackgold.ca
Phone: 780.929.1306
Youth Worker A – Z
Mrs. Lise Layton
email: lise.layton@blackgold.ca
Phone: 780.929.1340 Extension 1432
Educational Counselling
- Registration
- Appropriate course selection
- Support for students with special needs
- Educational alternatives
- Evaluation of out-of-province and out-of-country documentation and other documents (e.g. private music study)
- Planning for post-secondary pre-requisites
- Referrals to educational consultants and reading specialists
Post-Secondary and Career Counselling
- Calendars and website information for universities, colleges and technical schools
- Scholarship information and applications
- Post-secondary and career planning
- Vocational interest inventories
- Referrals to community resources University and College workshops
Personal Counselling
When personal issues impact school performance, confidential counselling is available. Issues may include:
- Self-esteem
- Grief and loss
- Substance abuse
- Personal health and safety
- Family and peer relationships
- Sexuality
- Stress and conflict management
Resource Links
Coping with Test Anxiety
Before the exam the student can do several things:
Time Management LinksLinks to assist students who are experiencing personal difficulties which may interfere with their academic, personal, social or family life:
Mind Tools: Essential Skills for an Excellent Career
Personal Time Management Guide
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- Be thoroughly prepared. A confident knowledge of the course material is the first step in reducing test anxiety.
- Review should be spaced throughout the week. This aids memory development and retention.
- Don’t cram. A final review is fine, but trying to cover two months of material in two hours is not an effective way to prepare for an exam. Begin your review process early to help reduce last minute anxiety.
- Arrive at exam location early. Relax, and don’t talk about the test with friends; frantic reviews are often more confusing than helpful.
During the exam, be test wise and have a plan for taking the exam.
- Some initial tension is normal, generally, when you receive the test, stop for a moment, take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly, and then start reviewing directions and test items.
- In a timed test make a schedule for answering questions. Allow more time for higher point questions. Pace yourself to answer as many questions as possible.
- Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you can’t come up with the answer, quickly move on.
- You can always come back if you have time. Higher scores will usually result from trying all items.
- If you get stumped on a question, move on to questions you can answer. This will get your mental process and concentration ready for more difficult questions.
How can Parents help their children succeed in High School?
1. Even though their children are in high school, it continues to be important for parents to be aware of how things are going at school. Most students need encouragement to be successful. Keeping this in mind, here are several strategies that might be useful: Put a copy of your child’s timetable on your fridge. Daily attendance is key to success. The school (Synervoice) will phone your home if your child has missed a class. Parents (who are registered) may access attendance information online through SchoolZone. If there are concerns, parents should contact the school.
2. Ask to see the daily planner (agenda) which the school has provided, and encourage its use.The student should record the dates of exams and assignment due dates in the planner. Near the front of the agenda, there is a ten month school calender with important Harry Ainlay dates/events.
3. High school students should have school work every night. Depending on the student and the courses, the amount of homework may vary. Homework might include preparation for exams, completion of assignments or projects, review of the day’s lessons, organizing notes, or reading. Daily homework encourages a student to be organized and responsible, and to avoid the stress associated with being disorganized and unprepared.
4. Provide your child with a quiet, comfortable workspace with few distractions. Homework and study are work and should be treated as such.
5. Establish a study routine and stick to it.
6. If there are concerns, contact individual teachers as soon as possible through voice mail.
7. Encourage involvement in school-related events and activities. Students who are part of the culture of a school generally have greater academic success.
8. Be aware of the amount of time your child spends at a part-time job. Students, in most cases, should not be working more than 15 hours a week and should not be working late into the evening. Watch out and advocate for your child if employers are putting unreasonable pressure on them.
9. Be vigilant about monitoring computer activity, phone time and watching TV. Stress the importance of balance in a healthy productive life.
10. Insure that your teen gets enough sleep. Research indicates that this age group needs over 9 hours of sleep per night in order to be alert.
Studying and Learning Resources
ESBCHS Student Services can provide students with strategies and tips to assist in learning, concentrating and studying. Check out some of these additional online resources to make the most of your study time:
Study Guides & Strategies (University of St. Thomas)
Study Strategies Homepage (University of Minnesota)
Schoolfinders.com (Test Preparation)
Information for Grade 12 Students
In an effort to assist our grade 12 students in obtaining as much timely information as possible, we will be supplying information via e-mail to our students. Copies of these e-mails will also be posted on this page so that the information can be accessed by those students or parents who are not on our e-mail list. If you are not on our e-mail list and would like to be added, please click here to make that request.
Although every effort is made to supply accurate information, students are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information, particularly in regards to scholarship deadlines and post-secondary application deadlines.
Work Experience (Off Campus Education)
Off-Campus Education includes Work Study, Work Experience, and Registered Apprenticeship programs. All are designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the world of work while attending school.
Work Experience
Work Experience is available for high school students only. This is a separate course that allows them to work off-campus to obtain credit towards their school program (Work Experience 15, 25, 35).
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Students in high school can be in the Registered Apprenticeship Program while attending school full-time. Students must be 16 years old and meet all apprenticeship entry qualifications, including finding a journeyman to sponsor them. The school works closely with Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development to monitor this program. The Registered Apprenticeship Program (R.A.P.) is a program where you, as a registered high school student, can become an apprentice and earn credits toward your apprenticeship and your high school diploma – at the same time!
Off-Campus Education provides:
- The opportunity to explore occupational choices.
- The chance to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in any job.
- Valuable employer references.
- An honest evaluation from the supervising teacher-coordinator and the employer.
For more information on our Off-Campus programs, please call Mr. Brad Umpherville, by email at brad.umpherville@blackgold.ca or phone at 780-929-1319.
Workplace Safety Systems
Link to: HCS3000 – Workplace Safety Systems Curriculum
Workplace Safety Practices
Link to: HCS3010 – Workplace Safety Practices – Reading Material