Welcome Back from Guidance!
Hello Blumenort School families!
I’m Mrs. Kinley, and I’m excited to be starting my third year as the Guidance Counsellor at Blumenort School! One of my favourite parts of this role is getting to know our students and families and being another supportive adult students know they can turn to when they need some help.
Sometimes there is a misconception that students only see the guidance counsellor when something is really wrong. That definitely isn’t the case! Guidance and counselling is available to all students, and a big part of my role is helping students build skills to handle the everyday challenges that come with growing up.
When might a student connect with me?
There are lots of reasons! A student might want some extra support with:
- worries, stress or big feelings
- family changes, separation, grief or loss
- self-esteem or confidence
- managing emotions, anger or frustration
- problem-solving and decision-making
- coping skills and resilience
- school motivation, organization or feeling overwhelmed
- adjusting to changes or transitions
- feeling safe, comfortable and connected at school
- career exploration and thinking about the future
- or simply something happening in their life that they would like help working through
Not every problem requires counselling, either! An important skill for students to develop is learning who to ask for help and when. Sometimes students can solve a smaller problem themselves. Other times, talking with a parent, caregiver, teacher or another trusted adult is exactly what they need. When something continues to be difficult, is affecting a student’s well-being or learning, or they aren’t sure what to do next, that’s a great time to connect with me.
Parents and caregivers can reach out too!
Parents and caregivers are an important part of supporting students, so please feel welcome to contact me if you are concerned about your child or are wondering how we can support them at school.
Sometimes that might mean I check in with your child, sometimes we problem-solve together, and sometimes the best next step is working with their teacher, our school team, Hanover Student Services or a community resource. Part of my role is helping families figure out what kind of support makes the most sense and how to access it.
School counselling is generally short-term and school-based. When a student would benefit from specialized, intensive or longer-term support, I can help families explore additional services and resources.
How can students reach me?
Students can speak with their teacher or another staff member, talk with me when I am available, or complete a “See Me” request form outside my office. I will then find a time to connect with them.
If something is urgent or involves a safety concern, students should always tell a trusted adult right away rather than waiting for a guidance appointment.
Students will also see me throughout the year in classrooms, small groups, school-wide activities and regular check-ins. Guidance isn’t only something that happens in my office!
Please reach out!
One of the best parts of school counselling is that I get to work with students, families and staff. You don’t need to wait until a concern becomes a big problem before reaching out. Sometimes a quick conversation, a few strategies or connecting with the right person can make a big difference.
If you have a question or concern about your child, please feel free to contact me at skinley@hsd.ca or call Blumenort School at 204-326-1757.
I’m looking forward to another great year with our Bengals! 
Mrs. Samantha Kinley
School Guidance Counsellor
Blumenort School