Alberta School Counsellor Spring 2014

Counsellor ALBERTA SCHOOL

Spring 2014

Feel Bad Education?

Publications mail agreement #40934510

An Alberta school’s decision to do away with academic ceremonies raises eyebrows across the nation.

Stop, Think, Connect

Cyber safety is more than just password-protecting your phone.

A Filling Career

How does a student start to work as an insulator?

In this issue

Counsellor ALBERTA SCHOOL

Feel Bad Education?

An Alberta school’s decision to do away with academic ceremonies raises eyebrows across the nation...............................................................

Stop, think, connect Cyber safety is more than just password-protecting your phone..............................

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A Future worth Working For CAREERS: The Next Generation promoting career awareness among province’s youth....................................................................................

For the Success of Students The Alberta Teachers’ Association Provincial Guidance Council...........................

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Stay Informed Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) offers a host of tools for students and counsellors....................................................

A Career in Supply Chain Management What are the opportunities for young Albertans?......................................................

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is published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President David Langstaff Publisher Jason Stefanik Managing Editor Carly Peters carlypeters@mts.net Sales Manager Dayna Oulion

Advertising Account Executives Gary Barrington Brian Gerow Ross James Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Art Director Kathy Cable

FOCUS ON

Design/Layout Joel Gunter

Your Future in Your Hands

16

Become a registered massage therapist in two years.............................

Advertising Art Caitlyn Haier Dana Jensen

What’s in a Name?

Bow Valley College names School of Business after prominent Calgary business leader, Wayne Chiu....................................

The Formula for Success Dr. Les Rawluk – mentor and teacher in and out of the classroom.....

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Back on Track Students can obtain a degree thanks to NorQuest’s Academic Upgrading....................................................................

In Your Care

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Mount Royal University’s new Bachelor of Child Studies.....................

Makeup and Fashion in YYC Artists Within Makeup Academy offers a new Online Makeup Academy.....................................................................

Be a Champion Mount Royal’s Bachelor of Health and Physical Education..................

23 24

Career Development Connections Conferences, professional development, and career services are available with The Career Development Association of Alberta............................

A Filling Career How does a student start to work as an insulator?...................................................

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Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 3

Feel Bad

Education?

An Alberta school’s decision to do away with academic ceremonies raises eyebrows across the nation.

By Jillian Mitchell

In a bold move, St. Basil Elementary and Junior High School in Calgary did the "unthinkable" – axing the honour roll. Their reasoning? To better foster student selfesteem.

For many, the above scenario brings about the question, how far is too far?

St. Basil officials stand firm that the new policy was instated in "the students' best interest," though it was met with outrage from many students and parents. In the initial letter to parents, school officials outlined the anti-award policy: "Awards eventually lose their lustre to students who get them, while of4 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

ten hurting the self-esteem and pride of those who do not receive a certificate."

It was a decision reportedly influenced by the work of education guru Dr. Alfie Kohn, a contrarian author known for his public critique of the current "feelbad education" system. Kohn's argument: rewards produce temporary compliance (and a lack of joy).

Dr. Lia Daniels, through her association with the Alberta Consortium for Motivation and Emotion (ACME), is quite familiar with the work of Dr. Kohn, which she cites as “very compelling.” However, when presented with the St. Basil devel-

opment, the ACME co-director stressed that a shift in discussion is required for better understanding of its effectiveness.

"Removing rewards to protect selfesteem isn’t a great argument. I would say the issue here is not about selfesteem or pride but about the motivation behind learning," Daniels says. "Selfesteem refers to an individual’s overall­ emotional assessment of his or her worth, and although many people believe that high self-esteem will lead to good academic performance there is no research that convincingly shows this to be true. In fact, self-esteem is in many

Donna Jamieson, certified Child and Youth Care counsellor and chair of Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Program at Grant MacEwan University.

ways a product of good school performance."

To further clarify this idea, Daniels offers the following scenario – A school has a contest to encourage reading. The child who reads the most books wins a trophy. Subsequently, some kids will read a lot of books during that time because they want the trophy even if they really dislike reading (extrinsic motivation).

The contest works. But some kids who genuinely enjoy reading may read lots of books during that time, even enough books to win, but their intrinsic enjoyment of reading will actually be reduced by participating in this contest (intrinsic motivation). It should also be noted, students extrinsically motivated by rewards are significantly more likely to cheat and less likely to ask for help.

Indeed, the topic of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is well-debated within the education sector, as is the idea of contingent motivation (rewards explicitly tied to achievement). To this latter idea, Daniels sees the potential for success so long as valuable rewards remain in place and the student does not experience failure (a subjective term that for one student could mean not making the honour roll and for another could mean a literal 'F'). The problem, she concludes, is that rewards do lose their appeal and,

at some point, most students have to manage failure.

“Some argue that when rewards are tied to achievement it allows students to feel in control of their learning,” she notes. “However, I would argue, as would other researchers, that this isn’t really control of learning but control of the reward.”

The relationship between rewards and education is a complicated one, agrees Donna Jamieson, a certified Child and Youth Care counsellor and the chair of Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Program at Grant MacEwan University.

According to Jamieson, the overuse of material rewards and even of excessive praise does become “somewhat meaningless” and, in fact, “may take away from the joy of learning for the sake of learning,” however, for her, honour roll does

Dr. Lia Daniels, co-director, Alberta Consortium for Motivation and Emotion (ACME ).

not fit into this category.

"Typically students are awarded (honour roll) status only once a year – hardly often enough for them to become jaded," Jamieson says. "Doing away with the honour roll does not really get rid of it no matter how you choose to approach it. As long as students receive grades, honour students still know that they are honour students whether there is a public award ceremony, a private ceremony, a notification on their report card or nothing to mark this. Similarly, less aca-

demic students still know that they are not honour students."

To that, Jamieson adds that the most pertinent solution lies in the fostering of student potential and their unique strengths, much like the educational system in Finland whereby standardized academic tests have been eliminated for approximately 40 years.

Instead, teachers who are well-educated and highly esteemed are given the freedom to develop creative and individualized means to teach materials and to assess student learning (i.e. developing a detailed description of the student’s progress and an individualized learning plan to meet each student’s unique needs) with a focus on mental and physical well-being at all grade levels. As a result, students become well-rounded and self-determined.

Interestingly, on internationally ad­ ministered measures of academic achievement, Finnish students have consistently performed better than students from many other developed countries.

"The Finnish model certainly provides food for thought as Alberta educational systems consider the best ways to help students succeed, feel good about their learning experiences and themselves," she adds.

In a perfect world, there would be a perfect answer. But alas, there are two sides to this (and every) coin. Of one thing both Daniels and Jamieson concur – central to the discussion is a pertinent shift from the collective to the individual.

"I believe that sometimes we worry too much about being 'fair' and making sure that everyone is treated exactly equally. Rather, we need to consider individual needs and respond to these in ways that fit each child,” Jamieson concludes. “What is rewarding for one child may actually be meaningless or even aversive to another. If students are recognized for their efforts and improvements, as well as for their other strengths and positive qualities, self-esteem usually is not an issue." v Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 5

Stop, think, connect Cyber safety is more than just password-protecting your phone

By Shayna Wiwierski

Thousands of kids accept friend requests

compared with one in four of the Cana-

on Facebook every day from friends and

dian 12+ population. One in every two

acquaintances, but do they really know

Facebook users is under 35.

who is on the other side of the screen?

With a high usage in social media,

According to the Print Measurement

there should be barriers put in place for

Bureau (PMB), approximately one-third

both safety of oneself and the devices

of social media networkers are under 25,

used to access these sites. According

and nine out of 10 teenagers are on so-

to McAfee Security, the world’s largest

cial media. Ranking as the most popular

dedicated security technology company,

social media site online, almost one in

a day in the digital life of a family consists

every three Facebook users is under 25,

of 27 per cent of teens that have infect-

6 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

ed their home computers with malware.

Criminals increasingly target younger kids with pop ups containing malware, such as viruses, spyware, etc. And, it’s not just pop ups; searching for hot topics of celebrities can lead to dangerous sites as well. Odds are that about one in 10 websites contain malware with a search for Heidi Klum.

Viruses and hacking can easily lead to another hot topic – cyberbullying, something that few kids tell their parents about. According to McAfee, 43 per cent of teens aged 13 to 17 have reported that they have experienced cyberbullying in the past year, and girls are eight per cent more likely to be a victim of the act.

Cyber safety is a huge factor when it comes to preventing cyberbullying.

There are numerous stories in this past year alone of teenagers who have committed suicide after being bullied by people online. UK teen Daniel Perry and Canadians Rehtaeh Parsons and Amanda Todd all took their own lives after being targeted by people online; people who weren’t who they said they were.

“What [Amanda Todd’s] story represents is that it can happen to anybody,” says Carol Todd, Amanda’s mother who spoke to students at Sisler High School about cyber safety on November 19, 2013.

“They say they like your shirt, they like your hair and then they become your friend online, but you have never seen them before. My question is, how many of you have (online) friends in another state or country? How many times have you talked to them? You classify them as a friend, although you have never met

them. Do you know who is at the other end?”

Amanda’s story is much like Perry’s and Parson’s. In an online chat room, she exposed herself online, with the person on the other end screencapping the image. The Port Coquitlam, B.C. girl was blackmailed and bullied by the person, which eventually led her to take her own life in October 2012.

“She got trapped into the Internet through chat rooms, and someone convinced her she was beautiful and gorgeous. It turned out to be someone who was quite evil and they convinced her to show her chest and on the other end they took a photo of it. She was 13,” said Carol. “This evil person posted the picture of Amanda bare chested on an adult porn site, and as soon as you open them and watch them, you have that content in your smartphones, in your computers, and its illegal to have in possession porn of kids under 18.”

A friend of Amanda’s saw the link and shared it with her parents who then contacted the RCMP, which showed up at Carol’s doorstep in the middle of the night. That one photo was the turning point in a downward spiral that caused Amanda’s death.

“That photo of her, ultimately when it got shared in her school, her peers, who she thought were her friends, they decided it would be really good to share

it. And it would be really good to make fun of her. She was embarrassed to go out; it was well known in our community. When she moved to a new school, 30 minutes away, the Internet and social media allowed it to follow her. Wherever she went, it followed her. The evil person infiltrated her Facebook and got ahold of her friends on (the site) and shared it.”

Amanda’s story is filled with exploitation, physical bullying, cyber harassment, mental health, and more. Carol says that parents need to understand what’s out there and that whatever you put on technology stays indefinitely.

Cyberbullying has become such a hot topic that Justice Minister Peter MacKay introduced Bill C-13, also known as the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, on November 20, 2013. Under the bill, anyone who posts or distributes an “intimate image” of another person without their consent would face up to five years in prison.

Nova Scotia introduced their own legislation on cyber safety on April 25, 2013.

The act created a CyberSCAN unit, which investigates complaints of cyberbullying, a first of its kind in Canada. Anyone can call CyberSCAN to file a complaint about cyberbullying, which investigators will then try to resolve informally by contacting the individual, family members, or others as necessary. Through amendments to the Education Act, the CyberSafety Act also clarifies the authority of school principals to respond to incidents of bullying and cyberbullying that occur off school grounds or after school hours.

Currently in Canada, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Alberta, and British Columbia are the only provinces that don’t have any cyberbullying legislation. Carol Todd hopes to change all that. She started the Amanda Todd Legacy, which works towards supporting youth mental health, anti-bullying, and online exploitation.

“As adults, we want to share the message to teach [kids] how to be safer, so we don’t have anymore stories like Amanda Todd’s.” v

About 30 million cell phones are lost every day. Lost personal information on phones, including emails, contacts, texts, personal banking information, etc. can end up in the wrong hands. Here is how to keep safe with your devices.

Keep a clean machine Keep up to date with operating updates and security software.

When in doubt, throw it out Spammers are getting smarter in the way they target computers. If it sounds too good to be true (that free cruise you just won?

Those 500,000 Air Miles?), it probably is.

Don’t open any attachments and hit delete.

Safety first Safeguard your mobile device with a password (and don’t share it!) and install a remote wipe feature like Find My iPhone for IOS devices, which can completely erase data on a device from a remote location. Also, make sure you log out of all accounts before switching apps.

Be cautious of strangers Only accept people you know and trust on your social media sites. Be wary of anonymous friend requests.

Where in the world…

Turn off location-enabled features. People can find out where you live or where you are just by sending a photo or a tweet.

Think before you click Employers and universities often search names in Google when doing research of a prospective applicant. An inappropriate photo or post could make the difference between landing a job, making it into university, getting that dream scholarship, or not.

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 7

A Future worth

Working For CAREERS: The Next Generation promoting career awareness among province’s youth.

By Jillian Mitchell “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is an all-too familiar question with an infinite number of answers. Here to alleviate the stresses of the school-to work transition is CAREERS: The Next Generation, a non-profit organization raising youth awareness surrounding the province’s high-demand career fields.

With the onset of the skilled labour shortage comes much opportunity for young people in trades, industrial technologies, and health services, explains Jerry Heck, vice president of Stakeholder across the province are placed Relations & Growth. As a into the desired workforce for result, CAREERS aims to career exploration. educate the province’s In 2013, the total number of youth on this opportuinterns – known within the pronity and has done so to gram as “smart kids” – reached Jerry Heck, vice president much avail. of Stakeholder Relations & 2,017 (1,600 in the trades’ RegisIn 2013, over 42,000 Growth. tered Apprentice Program, 362 Albertan high school in the health services internship, and 55 youth (306 communities, 546 schools) in power engineering internship), while actively participated in CAREERS schoolthe total number of employers was 1,327. based career workshops consisting of For Heck, these increased numbers serve small and large group sessions, parent as a great representation of the fervour information nights, teacher sessions, and of the CAREERS team. “employer onsite” show-case evenings, “We have more employers willing to all leading toward a summer internship participate and more young people that program. would like to try a trade or health servicStudents “earn to learn” in the CAes, and a lot more support from schools REERS internship program, receiving both in this process,” says Heck. “I think a high school credit and pay. With the whole combination of factors help to assistance of off-campus coordinators (school coordinators), select students support those target achievements and 8 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

those increases. We recognize that the economies in Alberta and Western Canada have changed since the recession and there’s a lot more openness and awareness of skill shortage in the province to encourage and enable eager youth to participate in worksite career development.”

For over 20 years, the organization has operated on “three wins” philosophy (youth, employer, and community), an ideal that positions employers as key partners in education and bears witness to flourishing skilled workforces with much youth participation. It is a model based in partnership, says Heck, namely with government, educators, communities, industry, parents, and students, alike.

“CAREERS has been built on a partnership model and it thrives on this model,” he says. “We see ourselves as a public-

private enterprise dedicated to working with employers and young people in the province of Alberta to help alleviate skilled shortages. We often say that if one of those branches of partnership is broken then it will have an impact on our capacity to deliver. So we work very hard at trying to maintain strong and healthy partnerships.”

A vital element in the CAREERS vision is the Aboriginal community. Last year, over 6,000 aboriginal youth in 176 com-

munities and 241 schools participated in the awareness sessions, and of the total 2,017 smart kids, 103 were self-declared Aboriginal youth.

“We think there’s great opportunity here, an untapped resource to create opportunities for young aboriginals for entry into the world of work. A big effort by CAREERS in that area,” adds Heck.

The non-profit organization continually expands offerings to align with projected gaps in skilled worker oppor-

tunities. In its second year, the CAREERS Expo is one such example. Scheduled for early spring 2014, the travelling expo will be held in Fort McMurray, Grand Prairie, and Red Deer in partnership with surrounding communities and post-secondary institutions. According to Heck, the expo is a “very significant undertaking,” with a combined turnout of 5,000 to 6,000 youth.

“We all know what happened to high schools across Canada regarding the expansion of vocational education programming. And we do know that dollars available for schools to continue that delivery has become a limiting factor,” says Heck. “Young people cannot get the same experiential opportunity and, in our view, the only way for more young people to get a hands-on exposure is through the workplace. CAREERS, through partnerships, is creating applied learning opportunities for young people to explore a connection to a career path.” v

Discover

the endless possibilities in apprenticeship!

CAREERS: The Next Generation invests in the workforce of the future by enabling students to explore their career options.

Earn while you learn!

Visit nextgen.org for more information or call us toll-free 1-888-757-7172

/

CAREERSNextgen Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 9

For the

Success of Students The Alberta Teachers’ Association Provincial Guidance Council.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has many specialty councils with Guidance and Counselling being only one. In Alberta we have a strong Executive Coun-

Embrace

Complex

Issues cmu.ca

Learn to See Differently CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

10 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

cil that supports an annual and exciting Voices of Counselling Conference each November in Banff. Considering the small number of counsellors in the province, we have a large membership in the Guidance and Counselling Council and our conferences are always bustling.

The province is divided up into five areas with its own Regional Council – Edmonton and North, Mid-Central, Calgary and area, South West, and South East. Each region acts as a liaison for counsellors, hosts professional development, and advocates for trained teacher counsellors in all schools. We have representatives from the major post-secondary institutions with counselling programs at our meetings. We also have a representative from Alberta Education. Our website, http://www.guidancecouncil.ca/ is al­ ways current with material from the Alberta Teacher’s Association, Alberta Education, and professional development opportunities across the province.

We know that many schools are working without counsellors in schools and we would like to provide support for those schools as well. Most of our teacher counsellors are found in urban area high schools, some in junior high,

and rarely in elementary. As counsellors in schools, we work collaboratively with many support workers such as family liaison workers, mental health aides, career counsellors, First Nations family workers, and more.

From our membership we have heard there is a noticeable rise in anxiety and depression among students. If we understand that mental health issues often have onset in the school years, we are working toward training for all counsellors in the area of mental health. We are all working to support inclusion in all of our schools across the province. Scholarship, entrance requirements, career and post-secondary counselling are very important in our high schools. Students are sometimes overwhelmed by the many choices, or the limited choices to them. We speak about passion and interest and that post-secondary is a step in life-long learning.

We invite you to take a look at our website, and contact maryfrances. fitzgerald@gmail.com if you have information that could be shared on our website. We like to collaborate for the success of our students. v

Stay Informed Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) offers a host of tools for students and counsellors.

Are your students looking for ways to fund their education? Point your students to the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at alis.alberta. ca for valuable information on post-secondary funding. Whether your students prefer online information or a book in hand, ALIS has resources to help.

12 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

Paying for Post-Secondary School The Paying for Post-Secondary School section on ALIS helps students narrow down what their education will cost and how to pay for it.

Using online budget worksheets and spending plans, students will estimate their post-secondary education costs by considering location, type of school and

program, length of education, and living expenses. After that, ALIS’s funding resources will help students figure out how to pay for their education using options such as • savings and earnings • scholarships and bursaries • loans and grants Students can check out the “What’s

To order or download Money 101, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.

Find Resources Check out the Resources for the Classroom flyer to find other helpful online and print resources for students. Topics include career planning, post-secondary planning, job search, and employment standards. You and your students can download the flyer at alis.alberta.ca/flyers.

ALIS also has a number of short tip articles, such as Financing Your Education, Show Me The $$$ – Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants. To read more, visit alis.alberta.ca/tips.

Stay Informed Subscribe to the ALIS eNewsletter or RSS feed to find out what’s new on ALIS and learn about new and updated products. Download the eNewsletter at alis.alberta.ca/enewsletter, or subscribe to the RSS feed at alis.alberta.ca/rss. v Your Story?” page to learn how other students paid for their education.

Money 101 The Money 101: Budgeting Basics for Further Education publication helps students plan financially for post-secondary education. Just like ALIS, Money 101 helps students figure out how much their education will cost, how to budget, boost their financial know-how, and stretch their dollars further.

Students will also learn how to avoid credit pitfalls, learn how to maximize their tax returns during school, and get practical tips for making the best use of their money – from buying used textbooks to using a student card for discounts on meals and shopping.

For those students who aren’t quite sure about going on to post-secondary studies, Money 101 helps students hone in on their interests and find a program that’s right for them.

A career plan as unique as they are.

CAREERinsite is a one-stop guide to FREE online career planning for high school students.

They can explore and compare career options based on their values, skills and interests, and develop an action plan for their future.

Have them sign up and get started today!

Learn More Visit Paying for Post-Secondary School at alis.alberta.ca/payingforschool.

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 13

A Career in

Supply Chain management What are the opportunities for young Albertans?

A position in the field of supply chain management is an exciting and rewarding career, filled with tremendous opportunity. Within this article we will briefly explore what a career in the supply chain sector entails, what job functions a supply chain management professional performs, as well as how supply management professionals add value to their companies, the job prospects, and how to prepare for career in this field.

Career opportunities in the supply chain management field are abundant.

Statistics Canada data has indicated that the supply chain sector is expanding.

Currently, over 700,000 Canadians work in supply chain roles, and it is anticipated that there will be an additional 66,000 14 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

new jobs in supply management in each of the next five years.

The variety and scope of supply chain jobs are enormous. Included are those in the fields of procurement, operations, logistics, transportation and trade, as well as consulting and senior management. Major corporations, small and medium sized companies, governments at all levels, other public institutions, and non-profits, all employ supply chain professionals. Supply chain management professionals now occupy a range of influential positions across organizations.

Supply chain managers perform a variety of job functions. They are responsible for organizing all the steps involved in the planning, procurement, production,

warehousing, and shipping of goods and services that a company offers to their customers. Supply chain management can begin with sourcing raw resources to the delivery of the finished goods to customers. A manager in this field requires the ability to coordinate, negotiate, and communicate on all interactions with vendors and other business partners.

This includes managing the supply chain activities with respect to manufacturing, shipping, warehousing, as well as information management.

The field of supply chain management has emerged as a business process that is as critical to a company’s success as any of the other business functions (accounting, marketing, sales, HR, etc.). This is due to the fact that effective supply chain management is a core requirement for an organization to create operational efficiencies. Such operational efficiencies create opportunities for a company to be more competitive in the marketplace, and thereby deliver more value to their customers.

Supply chain management is broadly seen as a global issue in today’s business environment since factors such as energy prices, environmental concerns, and global sourcing and expansion affect all of us in one way or another. Therefore, effective supply management is a crucial issue that all companies must incorporate into their operations as business, environmental, and political issues can have

a large impact on corporate strategy and business results.

A career in supply chain management is financially rewarding as designation holders (SCMPs) in this profession earn an average salary of $88,900.

The Supply Chain Management Association of Canada is the leading and largest association in Canada, for supply management training, professional development, and networking. Students in accredited post-secondary institutions can join SCMA Alberta for only $20 per year, and the regular annual membership fee for career professional is $400.

SCMA grants the Supply Management Professional (SCMP) designation, which is considered to be the professional standard in the industry, and valued highly by prospective employers. The SCMP designation program is a comprehensive program geared to managerial and executive level career professionals. Although achieving the SCMP designation is challenging, the benefits and rewards

for career advancement are definitely worthwhile.

SCMA also offers a Supply Management Training (SMT) program that offers a flexible way for people to pursue a career in the supply industry by gaining valuable supply related training. Anyone can enter the SMT program as there is not an educational or prior experience pre-requisite. Students also have a

choice of in-class or self-study courses in order to suit individual schedules, thereby allowing students to balance personal, study, and work priorities.

For more information on the exciting and rewarding career in the field of supply chain management, visit the SCMA Alberta Institute website at www.scmaab.ca. v

Students who thrive in strategic planning

will excel in the rewarding career of a Supply Chain Management Professional We’ll help you help them get on the right path!

Get complimentary information packages for you and your students!

www.aipmac.ab.ca 1-866-610-4089

(780-944-0355 in Edmonton area)

info@aipmac.ab.ca

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 15

F O C U S O N // Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

Your Future in Your Hands Become a registered massage therapist in two years.

Registered massage therapists provide relief and rehabilitation from pain, stress, injuries, and the symptoms of long-term medical conditions. Massage therapy is a science-based profession that provides the opportunity to be your own boss.

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy has been putting the future into the hands of successful graduates for the past 20 years. The ability to start a rewarding health care career in just two years is just one of the many benefits of choosing OVCMT. 2,500 Hour Accredited Program As an accredited college with hundreds of satisfied graduates, OVCMT has gained a reputation for excellence. Over half of new students were recommended by a graduate or someone who knows a graduate.

16 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

OVCMT has the advantage of being in British Columbia, one of only three provinces where massage therapy is a regulated profession. The standard of training in B.C. is among the highest in the world, offering the flexibility to practice anywhere. Our graduates write B.C. registration exams to become RMTs. Once registered in B.C., you can register in the other regulated provinces without further education or examination. By contrast, graduates from Alberta massage schools usually require upgrading before writing the B.C. registration exams. B.C. credentials are also widely recognized in the non-regulated provinces.

Education at OVCMT is extensive and comprehensive. Academic science courses provide the foundational knowledge of the human body. Practical massage courses provide the theory and hands-on practice. Your combined knowledge and skills are put into practice on real clients through 550 hours of supervised

practicum. The diverse practicum includes first year studentoperated massage clinic and in second year extensive client outreaches including assessment, sports, maternity, geriatrics, neurological/systemic pathology treatment, and hydrotherapy.

Classes are small enough that instructors know you by name.

Our instructors bring real life experience to the classroom, with the majority actively working as RMTs in their own practices.

ties with sports teams or resort facilities around the world. As

Bachelor of Health Science Credit As a graduate you are more than half way to a Bachelor of Health Science degree. A bachelor’s degree can enhance career options or lead to graduate level programs. Many graduates are currently completing the BHSc in their spare time through the Open Learning Agency at Thompson Rivers University.

Many of our students are looking for a portable career that provides independence, a good living, and flexible hours. As a graduate you may choose to start private practice, join a multidisciplinary clinic with other practitioners, or pursue opportuni-

downtown campus is close to shopping, cafes, and accommo-

a therapist you will assess and provide treatment with massage techniques such as joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, and through client education.

No Better Place to Live and Learn Only a day’s drive from Calgary and Vancouver, OVCMT’s dation. Traffic is light and walking or biking to school is realistic. The Okanagan Valley’s four-seasons living provisions include lakes, beaches, golf, wineries, hiking, biking, and skiing. Only 30 minutes from Silver Star Mountain ski area, and 10 minutes from lakes and beaches, there are many ways to enjoy your time after classes or clinic.

Your Future is in Your Hands. Visit our website to learn more or call us with your questions or to arrange a tour. v

Okanagan Valley COllege Of Massage Therapy | VernOn, BC • 2500 hour two year program • 550 hours of hands-on practicum • Respectful college environment • Four season recreation paradise • Rewarding health care career

Photo credit Picture BC

www.ovcmt.com | toll free 1-800-701-8863 Untitled-5 1

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 17 2014-02-18 9:19 AM

F O C U S O N // Bow Valley College

What’s in a Name?

Bow Valley College names School of Business after prominent Calgary business leader, Wayne Chiu.

Bow Valley College’s (BVC) School of Business is set to take on a greater role in educating our learners, and in serving the needs of industry thanks to a $3 million donation from Calgary business leader, philanthropist, and Trico Homes founder Mr. Wayne Chiu.

This gift is the largest single contribution in BVC’s history, and it illustrates Mr. Chiu’s commitment to his community. In honour of this generous donation, BVC is renaming their School of Business to the Chiu School of Business.

18 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

“The naming of the School of Business is a strong endorsement and recognition by the business community that we are delivering a high quality educational experience to our students,” says David Allwright, dean of the Chiu School of Business.

The donation will allow the Chiu School of Business to continue to grow and provide workready graduates to the labour market through career programming that responds to the needs of employers. For instance, the Chiu School of Business has already re-developed its popular Business Administration Diplomas to include a common first-year, with a variety of second-year specializations that meet market demand and provide students with the ability to customize their education to suit their needs.

The Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business is committed to improving the educational and career opportunities for our students. We believe in providing an educational experience that is relevant, leading-edge, flexible, and focused on the needs of our learners. Education is more than just what happens in a classroom – it is about life-long learning and being meaningful contributors to our diverse communities.

The faculty and staff at the Chiu School of Business are focussed on our learner’s success. We want our students to graduate with an education that opens doors and provides opportunities for them to pursue their aspirations and dreams.

In addition to diploma programs such as Business Administration, Interior Decorating and Legal Assistant; learners can obtain Certificates in areas such as Events Management, Human Resources and Medical Office Assistant. The Chiu School of Business also offers a wide range of Continuing Education certificates and courses, professional development programs, workplace-based training for business and government, and seminars and workshops.

“The naming of the School of Business clearly marks a new milestone of partnership and commitment to employers, industry, and community,” says President and CEO Sharon Carry. “We are thrilled to be able to announce this new partnership with one of Calgary’s leading entrepreneurs and contributors to business and social innovation.”

Mr. Chiu is a Mechanical Engineering graduate, who was educated at the University of Manitoba and in Hong Kong. He is the founder of the Trico Group of Companies and Trico Homes Inc. Mr. Chiu, and his wife and business partner Eleanor, are also supporters of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, the Calgary Chi-

nese Community Services Association, Asian Heritage Month, UNICEF Canada, the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, Trico Centre of Family Wellness, and the GlobalFest International Fireworks Competition. v

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 19

F O C U S O N // Grande Prairie Regional College

The Formula for Success Dr. Les Rawluk – mentor and teacher in and out of the classroom.

For 21 years, Dr. Les Rawluk has instructed chemistry in the science department at Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC).

The formulas he teaches are complex, but his formula for teaching is simple, and the results have earned him exceptional student reviews.

“The academic world is asking these (first-year) students to make a commitment that will impact the rest of their lives. I try to support them by giving them a path, and I do that by being patient and respectful to them,” says Rawluk pragmatically.

smart enough to be here.”

Rawluk challenges his students, and in turn has gained their respect through his ability to bring clarity to a subject that can be difficult and abstract. The enthusiasm and energy he pours into his lectures and labs create a robust and engaging learning experience for his students.

He credits the teaching environment at GPRC with setting a culture that supports individual teaching styles, and gives him plenty of opportunity to interact with his students and impart his years of knowledge.

Outside of the classroom, he has an open door policy that extends to taking calls at his home. He says it is not unusual to find himself in the role of advisor and counsellor.

“Sciences can be tough, and that first year can be a harsh slap across the cheek,” he says. “There are many students that just need the reassurance “I’m

“A small school like GPRC gives me the opportunity for hands-on learning with my students in various environments,” says Rawluk. “I am able to share 21 years of tips and insights with students in my seminars, but I can then apply those theories with them in the lab.”

He adds that it is the combination of this culture and the smaller class sizes

20 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

that enables him to take a more personal approach to teaching.

“Within three weeks I know the name of every student in my class and I’ve learned a personal fact about each one of them,” says Rawluk.

Rawluk knows first-hand the influence a teacher can have on a student’s academic path. It was the support and encouragement of a high school chemistry teacher that inspired him to study chemistry. He credits the mentorship of a University of Alberta instructor who, in his fourth year of a bachelor’s degree, gave him the confidence and encouragement to continue his studies and complete his PhD. Rawluk’s three year term as chair of the GPRC science department has been rewarding, he says, because it has allowed him to make contributions to the entire science department and to represent his colleagues in all of the science disciplines.

Rawluk refers to himself as somewhat of an old school instructor, one who prefers a chalk board over a white board.

However, this professor, mentor, and friend is a true innovator whose commitment to teaching has inspired learning in over two decades of students. v

NorQuest College // F O C U S O N

Back on Track Students can obtain a degree thanks to NorQuest’s Academic Upgrading.

A traditional high school wasn’t a setting Robbie Morrison found comfortable – call it youthful angst, a short atten-

In the end, Morrision took the prerequisites he needed to attain acceptance at MacEwan before moving on to the Uni-

versity of Alberta. Now, he is poised to graduate later this year with a BPE, focusing on rehabilitation. v

tion span, problems accepting authority. The result was typical. In grade 10 he left school, found work, and did okay for himself, but soon realized he wanted more. After a bit of soul searching, a return to school seemed like the only way.

And he found his way back beginning in 2006 through NorQuest College’s Academic Upgrading program.

Now a fourth year Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) student at the University of Alberta (via the University

Step Forward A leader in Alberta post-secondary education, NorQuest College is a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, offering diploma and certificate programs, including the new Community Support Worker Certificate and Literacy and Essential Skills Pathways.

Transfer program at what was then Grant

We prepare students for the workplace or for the next stage of learning through flexible delivery options and strong student support services.

MacEwan College) Morrison remembers

Classes start September | January | May

his time at NorQuest fondly.

“At NorQuest it was so much of an inclusive learning atmosphere. I liked that because I was allowed to go at my own pace,” he says. “In high school I felt smothered. At NorQuest I felt a lot more independent, but the instructors were there to help if I needed it – without the pressure.”

Classified an adult student when he looked into applying for MacEwan’s (BPE) transfer program, he was able to fast track his high school career at NorQuest.

“One thing that is really good about

want. And as an adult student you don’t

Apply today.

780.644.6000 info@norquest.ca

have to meet all of the requirements that

Step Forward | norquest.ca

NorQuest’s Upgrading Program is you are able to pick and choose the courses you

you do coming out of high school, so my NorQuest learning experience was really accelerated, which is what I liked,” he says.

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Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 21

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F O C U S O N // Mount Royal University

In Your Care Mount Royal University’s Bachelor of Child Studies.

We’re not your average university, so we aren’t offering your ordinary degree.

Mount Royal University’s new Bachelor of Child Studies is the first four-year child studies baccalaureate offered in Western Canada. The distinctive bachelor degree emphasizes strong theoretical foundations in two majors – child and youth care counsellor (CYCC), and early learning and child care (ELCC) – while providing hands-on experience in and outside the classroom. The emphasis is on creating well-rounded graduates and role models prepared to become strong advocates for children and youth.

22 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

Career choices include:

baccalaureate, the degree also qualifies

• Child and youth care counsellor

students to pursue further education at

• Youth justice worker

a graduate level.

• Family support worker • Administrator / manager • Early childhood educator • Special needs caregiver • Childcare facility manager There is an ever-growing demand for professionals to work with children and

Are you motivated to pay it forward by making a difference in the life of a child as a mentor, leader or counsellor?

If so, we want to hear from you.

The Bachelor of Child Studies focuses on student success and creating a

youth in Alberta and across Canada.

new generation of role models for our

Mount Royal graduates are prepared to

community. Apply now and discover

succeed at the highest levels in an array

why Mount Royal is not your average

of community-based settings. As a full

university. v

Artists Within Makeup Academy // F O C U S O N

Makeup and Fashion in YYC Artists Within Makeup Academy offers a new Online Makeup Academy.

Artists Within Makeup Academy, located in Calgary, has been offering accredited diploma programs in makeup, session hairstyling, and fashion styling for over a decade. Owner and Director, Tara Anand, started the academy with hopes of educating students to the high standards of the makeup and fashion industry. Her dream came true, and then some.

In addition to offering diploma programs within the academy, Artists Within recently launched their Online Makeup Academy.

We caught up with Tara Anand to chat about the innovative approach to online makeup school.

“I felt it was really important to stay up to date with the direction that education is being delivered. Reputable educational institutes deliver diploma, degree, and masters programs, via the Internet and I knew we could do the same with our programs without jeopardizing the integrity of the education students receive. Taking education out of the classroom and onto the Internet opens the door to those whose situations would not normally allow them to attend school.”

By Breanne Sinclair

Artists Withins’ programs run year round. For more information on their Academy and the programs offered visit www.artistswithin.com or contact them at 403.208.0034 | info@artistswithin.com v

ARTISTS WITHIN MAKEUP ACADEMY Launch your career in fashion at Artists Within Offering accredited diploma programs in makeup (int’l certificate), hair design, fashion styling and advanced makeup

CONTACT US TODAY 403.208.0034 | info@artistswithin.com www.artistswithin.com

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 23

F O C U S O N // Mount Royal University

be a champion Mount Royal’s Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.

Are you fit for Mount Royal University’s new Bachelor of Health and Physical Education degree? If so, we want to hear from you.

Your commitment to living a healthy lifestyle is anything but ordinary, so neither should be your degree. The program’s comprehensive take on the connection between physical activity and health and wellness sets the new degree apart from those offered through other universities.

The distinctive four-year program provides students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. By taking a broad

24 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

approach to health and physical education, the degree emphasizes the importance of physical activity from your first footsteps to your last, and is supported through curriculum that demands substantial engagement inside and outside the classroom.

Graduates will become champions in health and physical wellness, leading the movement in their communities.

The degree offers four majors: Athletic Therapy, Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, Physical Literacy, and Sport and Recreation Management.

State-of-the-art lab facilities provide interactive spaces for students to apply

their skills in simulated real-world scenarios.

As a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Mount Royal’s new baccalaureate is recognized by universities across the country, broadening the opportunities for graduates to pursue additional post-graduate research and education. The degree has been developed to align with majors at other universities and to meet all accreditation requirements where applicable.

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education opens a door of unlimited possibilities. Be a champion of tomorrow and apply today. v

Career Development

Connections Conferences, professional development, and career services are available with The Career Development Association of Alberta.

By Paula Wischoff Yerama, CCDP Executive Director, Career Development Association of Alberta The Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA) is delighted to be hosting the first annual Alberta Career Development Conference (ACDC) – BTT and Beyond: Get Connected in Calgary, Alberta on May 30 and 31, 2014. The ACDC will build on the rich tradition of previous Building Tomorrow Today consultations and feature three international keynote speakers (Dr. Jenny Bimrose, Dr. Mark Watson, and Dr. Mary McMahon), 24 concurrent sessions, an exhibitor fair with special topic round table sessions, a career development consultation session, and a networking reception. Event registration will be available on the CDAA website (www.careerdevelopment.ab.ca) by early March 2014 and with limited spaces available you will want to register early.

The CDAA has been providing current and consistent professional development opportunities to the career development community; connecting practitioners with industry resources, information, and best practices; and demonstrating commitment to the profession through its involvement with provincial and national initiatives since 1997. Alberta has long been recognized as a leader in the career development field with achievements including the launch C

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Y

of Canada’s first voluntary certification for Career Development Practitioners.

The CDAA is an integral part of the career development profession providing strategic leadership within the field and supporting practicing professionals to deliver quality services to the public.

Regardless of job title, the CDAA is a place for all practitioners who provide career development services to come together. AD_QUARTER It is the only professional asPAGE.pdf 10/02/2014

sociation for Career Development Practitioners in Alberta and offers a range of membership categories including student, associate, pre-certified associate, senior associate, certified, and group options.

To learn more about the benefits of membership please visit www.careerdevelopment.ab.ca or call 780-577-1466. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. v 7:29:00 PM

How Do You Strengthen and Grow Career Development in Alberta?

cdaa

Simple: Get Connected. Get Active.

Career Development Association of Alberta

Stay CURRENT. Get CONNECTED. Be COMMITTED. Join CDAA.

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CMY

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Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA) members are dedicated to providing the highest quality career development services in a variety of industries.

If you are working to make a difference in people’s lives through career development, or are a current student or graduate of a related post-secondary program, we invite you to join us!

As a member you: • Get connected to current information, resources and initiatives • Benefit from partnerships with organizations and other members • Have opportunities to engage in professional development • Participate in local, provincial and national projects • Engage in settting and maintaining professional standards • Receive mentorship from career development leaders

Current, Connected, Committed

Become a member today • careerdevelopment.ab.ca

Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 25

a

Filling Career How does a student start to work as an insulator?

By Bill Spring

WHAT IS AN INSULATOR? Insulators apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g., calcium silicate, mineral wool, fiberglass, foam glass, styrofoam) on all types of industrial and commercial mechanical equipment (e.g. ducts, piping, tanks, vessels, towers).

Ph: 780 426-2874 • www.insulators110.com APPRENTICE TRAINING The term of apprenticeship for an insulator is 3 years (three 12 month periods).

This consists of a minimum of 1517 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of technical training in the first, second and third year of apprenticeship, for a total of 4551 hours.In general, insulators: • Read and interpret blue prints to determine insulation requirements • Select the amount and type of insulation and protective coverings to be installed • Choose a method of preparing and securing it on irregular shaped surfaces • Measure cut and install the insulating material onto equipment • Install vapor barriers and protective coverings over the insulated surfaces

Any questions, please call Bill Spring at 780 220-3110 or email at BillS@insulators110.com

26 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014

Frequently many people with no insulating experience go to work on industrial and commercial construction and maintenance job sites as “helpers” through the Local 110 insulator union when it is unable to supply enough first year insulator apprentices to the many contractors hiring them. These starter insulators are also referred to as Permit Workers. That status allows them to work temporarily as non-members until they apply and join the union or get a layoff because of an eventual shortage of work. They assist journeyman insulators. The union provides free pre-employment training for starters.

Permit Workers can apply to the Alberta Apprenticeship Board to get indentured as apprentice insulators only after being dispatched to work. They cannot apply to become Local 110 union members until they do that. As a member, they can thereafter bid for numerous jobs posted on the union’s website and work steadily towards achieving journeyman status.

Working through Local 110 as an insulator provides for excellent wages and benefits.

Anyone, with or without insulating experience can apply to register for work as a Permit Worker on the union’s website, www.insulators110.com, by clicking on the Permit Worker heading. It costs nothing to do so.

Once registered as a Permit Worker and orientated, they can start to bid for jobs posted on that website by clicking on the Dispatch heading reflecting all of the different jobs to choose from in this rewarding field. v

Healthy New Year ABM College of Health and Technology offers a variety of courses.

Start the new year off right with a step toward a brighter future with ABM College of Health and Technology.

Small class sizes, hands-on training, practicum, and flexible class schedules are only some of the factors that distinguished ABM College from other colleges in Canada.

With campuses in both Calgary and Toronto, ABM ensures students are confident and ready to enter the workforce in an in-demand field after program completion. “ABM College is the leading educational institution for health-care aide graduates in Alberta,� says Dr. Mohammed Baten, president of ABM College.

Besides the Health Care Aide program, which is the most popular program at the college, ABM College offers courses such as Medical Office Assistant/ Unit Clerk, Pharmacy Assistant, Accounting and Payroll Administration, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, and more.

Each program includes in-class education and on-site job training supplemented by an organized practicum at real job facilities.

ABM provides programs to prepare students for in-demand work catering to individual schedules and career aspirations, making ABM College an easy fit for those with a family, holding a job or financial constraints. v

Index to advertisers

ABM College of Health and Technology..................................27 Alberta Institute PMAC.......................................................................15 Alis Employment DDB Canada........................................................13 Artists Within Make Up Artists......................................................23 Bow Valley College..........................................................................OBC Calgary Construction Association..................................................11 Canadian Mennonite University.................................................... 10 Career Development Association of Alberta.........................25

Careers: The Next Generation.........................................................9 Grande Prairie Regional College..................................................IFC Local 110 Heat & Frost Insulators...................................................26 Mount Royal University.....................................................................22 Mount Royal University.....................................................................24 Norquest College...................................................................................21 Okanagan Valley......................................................................................17 Solution Talk.............................................................................................19 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2014 27

Chiu Rule of Business no. 009 |

The "Classic"

1. PRESENT HAND Slightly curve fingers into pleasant bowl/cup shape.

2. GRIP

Apply pressure with confidence, careful not to mash opposing fingers into finger-type ball (that's too much confidence).

3. AGITATE Rapidly move hands down and then up.

Repeat maximum two times.

A proper introduction begins with a handshake

Chiu School of Business

Chiu School of Business