Family Handbook 2024-25

STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Havergal College upholds the principles of respect for human rights as enshrined in the Ontario Human Rights Code , R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, (the “Code”). Havergal commits to provide reasonable academic accommodations for needs related to the grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code , unless to do so would cause undue hardship.

Social Work (Upper School)

School social work is a part of broader student support at Havergal College and available to students in the Upper School(Grades 7 to 12).

The social workers provide:

● Support for student psychoeducation in small groups and grade settings. ● Short-term individual strengths-based counselling to students in Grades 7 to 12. ● Referral services to community agencies and other external professional support. ● Parent and staff educational presentations. As members of the Student Support Team, the social workers contribute thematically to the trends and issues being monitored and managed and, with a student’s consent, may consult with relevant members of the Student Support Team. For more information about the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), visit their website at www.ocswssw.org or call 1-877-828-9380. Confidentiality Confidentiality is a legal obligation not to disclose information obtained in confidence without a student’s consent. When working individually with students, the aim is to work with parents to support their child’s progress. However, when a capable student discloses personal information to the social worker and specifically requests that the conversation and its details remain confidential, it is important for parents to understand that, with the exception of imminent risk and/or health and safety circumstances, the student’s request will be honoured. For more information about understanding the legal rights of children, youth and their parents in mental health care, please refer to the Canadian Mental Health Association website. Informed Consent Informed consent requires that a student be capable of providing such consent. This means that the student must be cognitively capable (i.e. able to understand the information provided) and appreciate the reasonable risks and benefits of such services in order to give consent.

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