Counselor’s Corner, December 2023

It’s December – the most festive time of the year! It’s all about joy, family, fun and twinkling lights, but let’s be real – sometimes holidays can come with more than a bit of stress! December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month! It’s a reminder to take a deep breath and make sure our smiles are as big as can be. So, how do we keep the holiday vibes happy without the stress?

  • Mix it Up with Traditions: Think about your family traditions. If they’re starting to feel a bit tricky, it’s okay to give them a little twist. Your happiness comes first!
  • Say the Mighty “No”: If things are getting a bit too busy, it’s super okay to say “no” to some plans. Your time is special, and you get to decide how to spend it.
  • Plan, Plan, Plan: Imagine having a magical map for your month! Planning ahead helps, like having a calendar of all the fun stuff. No more last-minute dashes to the store – we got this!
  • Feelings Talk: If you’re feeling a bit stressed out, that’s okay! Share your feelings with someone you trust – maybe a friend or family member. You’re not alone on this adventure!
  • You-Time is Cool: Remember, it’s not just about giving to others; it’s also about giving to yourself. Take a break, do something you love, and let the good vibes flow.

So, let’s fill this December with joy, love and lots of cozy moments!

At the end of December, my time as the elementary school counselor will be concluding. Our wonderful full-time counselor, Ms. Chloe Shaw, will be returning from maternity leave at the start of January. It has been a joy working with students from kindergarten through 8th grade in the counseling office. Looking ahead, I am eagerly anticipating my return to the intermediate support role. I am so grateful for the St. John community.

Wishing your family all the best,

Mrs. Manley

Second Trimester Counselor SEL Groups

Ms. Shaw is excited to announce the second round of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) groups. SEL groups are a key support that is offered to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The groups focus on a variety of SEL skills, including emotional regulation, coping skills, friendship and conflict resolution skills. Groups are formed with 4-6 same-grade peers and meet weekly for 30 minutes during the school day for ten weeks. Fill out this online form if you would like your child to participate in a group. The sign-up deadline is Monday, January 8. Please note that while filling out the form doesn’t guarantee a space in the group for every student, every effort is made to get each interested/referred student into a group rotation at some point during the school year.