June 2023 - Preparing for Change

Hello Everyone and welcome to our  JUNE BLOG-- Preparing for Change...

Just a review on Our May Mental Health Week which was a success. Information was shared about mental health, ourselves and  engaging student and staff through activities and conversations.  Here are some of the things offered at Outreach. Wear a hat Wednesday for mental health. May 4 the challenge to let our May the fourth be with you blasting out star wars memories. Chalk the walk a way to express feelings and artistic flair. Painting rocks was enjoyed.  

PLEASE NOTE. TODAY you will find: INFORMATION INFORMATION 

1) For example on programs, presentations and financial supports

2) Referrals some examples of who and why we offer referrals 

3) Information on how to apply and obtain Social Ins numbers, Alberta picture Id, Birth Certificate, Writing your first Learner Driver written exam, and CRA account set up.

June is our month to complete school work, writing course tests and doing the PD exams then for some facing graduation. Most people and of course students often find change as difficult. And the thought of graduating or leaving school is stressful. 

To assist in transition and change for student preparing them to moving up a grade or leaving school. All core courses are offered and supportive option and electives fill in the other requirements to graduate. 

At Outreach we offer many types of courses, novel presentations,  invitations to special guest speakers to engage, challenge and enhance learning experiences for all students. provide basic information and opportunities for students to ask questions and to let us know what they need. 

This may seem like a lot to read, Yet pick and choose what you would like to know more about and I hope this is helpful. If you have any questions please call your outreach school and we are happy to have a conversation on what is offered, what we can do to make transition for our students and families easier to navigate. 

Reminder to contact your outreach school of choice in the last week in August for registration and interview times. We will be happy to answer questions and look for more information if needed 
Have a great summer enjoy doing things to together, be safe, Laugh lots and be cool. 

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1) For example on programs, presentations and financial supports  

Enriched Academy. Enriched Academy is Canada’s leading online personal financial education program, providing financial literacy training through online courses and tools. Enriched Academy covers budgeting, credit cards, credit score, student loans, investing, insurance, taxes and much more. 

-Learners Test information presentations (2days) offered to any students wanting or facing challenges in passing  their written learners test. This is normally offered once a year with flexibility to offer twice a year based on student interest.

This year we had 15 students on the list. This has increased success in passing the Learner exam as per past experience. 

-BGS (aka previously known as Learner Benefit program) BOS has been encouraging students to access this support program as one more way to allow students to be in a position and supported to attend school with less worries if financial was one of their concerns or road block. Students are informed of this program. The application process and interview is set up as positive, supportive with less stress to students and a short time to have decisions made if they are able to access this program. Limited to students under 18 not living with parent/guardians

15 students on BGS list, This year 5 have been interviewed by BGS with brochures handed out to students with followup by BOS to ensure they feel supported to apply.  Students are able to access this program, and encouraged to reapply if previously ended and they meet the criteria. 

-Community Helper program- In every community there are people whom others naturally turn to for support. They are from all walks of life and are considered by others to be helpers. Helpers possess characteristics like empathy, care, and compassion. The Community Helpers Program identifies these helpers and offers training to strengthen their natural abilities. Helpers learn a variety of topics and skills including effective communication, self-care, coping with stress, knowing when to refer people to professional services, handling crisis situations, and suicide awareness. In addition to developing skills and increasing knowledge, Helpers are introduced to community services and professional support. This connection bridges informal and formal support in the community, enabling helpers to refer peers and family to expert support when needed.. 

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2) Referrals examples of who and why we offer referrals 

In school Referrals- are made by staff with follow up communication on how to best support students in or out of school, check in and follow up is key.

Outside services referrals are made as needed as requested by students or families. Here are some we have made this year. 

DragonFly- Referrals can be made and will need parental consent if under 18 unless considered a mature minor. There is an open walkin for students on Wednesday 12-2pm

AHS addictions and or Mental Health - just a short snapshot of the services are available for children, youth, adults and older adults with addiction and / or mental health concerns. Clinicians work with individuals and families to identify goals of treatment as they relate to their moderate to severe addiction and / or mental health concerns.

Health unit-   healthy baby program for young pregnant/mums. 

Provides sexual health services including education, clinical services, and consultation to individuals, families, and communities

Mental Health-Referrals can be made and will need parental consent if under 18 unless considered a mature minor, There is an open walk in for students Tuesday 1-3 pm

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3) Information on how to apply for Social Ins numbers, Alberta picture Id, Birth Certificate, Writing your first Learner Driver written exam, and CRA account set up.

LEARNER LICENSE

To get a learner's driver's license you must:

• be 14 years of age or older.
• have parental or guardian consent if you are under 18 years of age.
• pass a knowledge test.
• pass a vision test.

Under 18 years of age First time writing your Learner test  you will need- 

- a Birth Certificate or Passport, 

- adult  ( parent, guardian or designated agent) to sign a consent form 

Over 18 you will need-

- a Birth Certificate or Passport, 

-Proof you live in Alberta bank statement, or utility bill, or cell phone bill, or pay stub

 NOTE (it will cost $17 each time you challenge the test)

When you pass your learners test it is $93 for your picture Learner License card 

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Alberta Picture Identity can be obtained by youth age 12 and over by the Under 18-12 years of age 

- a Birth Certificate or Passport, 

-parent or guardian must attend and provide their identification to support a youth application for Alberta Picture Identification

Over 18 you will need-

- a Birth Certificate or Passport, 

-Proof you live in Alberta bank statement, or utility bill, or cell phone bill, or pay stub

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Birth certificate $45. Children 12 and up can apply. They will need a parent of an adult over 18 with picture identification to be considered as a designated agent on behalf of the youth and has know the youth over a year and is willing to show their id on the youths behalf 

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AHS Alberta Health Services number if you have lost or do not know it Call 780-427-1432 (Dial 310-0000 first for toll free calling within Alberta)

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SIN Social Insurance Number

 There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

The documents that are required to apply. 

1-Must have a birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.

2- Also one of these documents if you have reached 18 years old you must provide one of these- 

• a passport (Canadian or foreign)
• a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
• any other Canadian government-issued ID

Minors applying for themselves

Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN number if they have the necessary above documents. 

If a representative (guardian or parent) is applying for their child they too will need to provide their own documents as above 

1-Must have a birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.

2- Also one of these documents if you have reached 18 years old you must provide one of these- 

• a passport (Canadian or foreign)
• a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
• any other Canadian government-issued ID

The minor child that needs a SIN will need to provide 

1-Must have a birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth.

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Federal Registration for CRA  https://www.canada.ca 1. How do I register for a CRA user ID and password?

You will have to complete two steps.

Step 1 – Provide personal information

• Enter your social insurance number.
• Enter your date of birth.
• Enter your current postal code or ZIP code.
• Enter an amount you entered on one of your income tax and benefit returns. Have a copy of your returns handy. The line amount requested will vary, it could be from the current tax year or the previous one. To register, a return for one of these two years must have been filed and assessed.
• Create a CRA user ID and password.
• Create your security questions and answers. You can also decide if you want a persistent cookie added to your computer, so you can access CRA sign-in services using that same computer later without being asked for more identification.
• Enroll in mandatory multi-factor authentication by selecting your preferred method (telephone or passcode grid).  For more information, see multi-factor authentication.

After you complete step one of the registration process, you will have access to limited tax information on My Account. After you enter your CRA security code, you will have access to the full suite of services available in My Account, as well as the Auto-fill my return service.  

Step 2 – Enter the CRA security code

To access your account, return to My Account for Individuals, select "CRA sign in," and enter your CRA user ID and password. When prompted, enter your CRA security code.

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Outreach Schools are part of the Northern lights public school division and is open to any and all students grade 10-12 that wish to register for the new school term 2023-2024. Please call the School if you have any questions on programs, courses offered and supports that are in place for a great school year. 

For more resources, check out the Preparing for Change page of the NLPS website.