A local high school in Campbell River is looking to beef up its focus on transition and mental health, as it takes a fresh look at its careers program.
Tyee Transitions is a careers and personal exploration program at Carihi Secondary School, developed and shaped largely in response to students’ feedback.Â
Teacher Donnie Fitzpatrick says the program is intended to help students build the skills to make life decisions with confidence, while also helping them graduate with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.
There are two branches to the program, Fitzpatrick notes, with the first being more geared towards students in grades 11 and 12 who already have an idea as to their post-secondary path. It includes dual credit, work experience, and university or a trades and apprenticeship focus.
This year, Fitzpatrick says a total of 35 students are participating in the first branch of the program.
While aiming to further support the majority of students who have not yet found a specific career path, the second branch places focus on the Career Life Education and Career Life Connections courses that all 400 plus grade 11 and 12 students must complete prior to graduation.
It also takes mental health into account, as many students are often feeling overwhelmed or anxious by the pressures of the transition from school to post-secondary and/or work.
According to Fitzpatrick, Tyee Transitions is all about honouring, hearing and seeing students and having them see themselves in different ways so that their achievement can rise.
If you’d like to learn more, Fitzpatrick shared additional details about the Tyee Transitions program during SD72’s latest board meeting. You can watch the full meeting here.
