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Counsellor's Corner

December 2025

Counsellor's CornerDecember 2025

Celebrating Connection Celebrating Connection

A Note From the Counsellor

The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones. This month, our focus is on Connection - celebrating the joy of togetherness, building stronger bonds, and creating lasting memories. Check out the school calendar for all the exciting things we have planned!


Why Family Time Matters

Spending quality time together as a family:

💙 Builds stronger emotional connections.

💬 Enhances communication and problem-solving skills.

🎉 Creates traditions and memories that children cherish for a lifetime.


Family Time Activities

Looking for ways to connect with your family this holiday season? Here are some ideas:

🎨 Create Together: Make holiday decorations, ornaments, or a scrapbook of family memories.

🎁 Give Back: Volunteer as a family, create care packages, or donate items to a local charity.

📚 Share Stories: Read holiday stories together or share your favorite childhood memories.

🍽️ Cook Together: Involve everyone in preparing a holiday meal or baking festive treats.

❄️ Explore Outdoors: Visit local parks, go for a winter walk, or check out holiday light displays.


Mindful Family Moments

Amid the holiday excitement, it’s important to find moments of calm:

🧘 Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply together.

💬 Check In: Ask each family member how they are feeling and listen without distractions.

💤 Prioritize Rest: Ensure everyone is getting enough sleep, even during busy holiday schedules.


Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season

The holiday season can be joyful, but it may also bring stress and challenges for families. To help you navigate the season, Strathcona County offers valuable tips and resources:

🔹 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
🔹 Finding Support Over the Holidays
🔹 Tips for Families to Prevent Holiday Stress
🔹 Free Activities and Events in Strathcona County


For more information, visit the Strathcona County Stress-Free Holidays page to explore practical advice and discover free, family-friendly activities in our community.


Let’s make this holiday season a time of joy, connection, and well-being for everyone!

Winter Events and Activities Winter Events and Activities

Winter Events and Activities in Strathcona County
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Navigating the Holidays Navigating the Holidays

Navigating The Holidays With Care
Winter Mental Health: A Guide For Good Practices

Family Activities: Thing to do in Strathcona County Family Activities: Thing to do in Strathcona County

Strathcona County Activities
Strathcona County Library Events
BGC Public Night Programs

Caregiver Education December 2025 Newsletter Caregiver Education December 2025 Newsletter

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Community Resources Community Resources

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  • Family Resource Network (FRN)
  • Family and Community Services
  • Solutions Navigation
  • Strathcona Food Bank
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • BGC Strathcona County



Please reach out if you need any support in accessing services for your child or family.

Strathcona County Family Resource Network Strathcona County Family Resource Network

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Children’s Mental Health Learning Series Children’s Mental Health Learning Series

Resources to Support Children and Youth with Mental Health Concerns

Explore a series of videos designed for caregivers, families, and professionals, providing valuable insights and strategies to support children’s mental health.

Children’s Mental Health Learning Series
Mental Health Literacy Series

Helplines: Mental Health, Crisis, and Community Support Helplines: Mental Health, Crisis, and Community Support

Important Numbers

  • Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322
  • Mental Health Helpline – 1-877-303-2642
  • Community Resources – 211 Alberta
  • Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741
  • Family Violence – Find Supports – 310-1818
  • Health Link – 811
  • Income Supports – 1-866-644-5135
  • Local Resources & Support - Crisis Services Canada
  • MyHealth.Alberta.ca: List of Important Numbers
Contact Info

Tracy Russell, M.Ed.

School Counsellor BWD/FTV

BWD 780.467.5591

FTV 780.922.3058

tracy.russell@eips.ca

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