School Psychologists Association of S.E. Manitoba
Present: Chantal Lisowski, Zlata Hajin, Ang Broadfoot, Alice Ozwald, Michelle Bahuaud, Toni ___, Joel Pauls, Brian Lee, Bill Stevens, Louise Lelievre, Ron Teffaine
This meeting was hosted by Chantal Lisowski and Zlata Hajin in Sunrise School Division. Thank you very much.
Minutes
Alice started a group discussion about the difficulty of coping with critical incidents.
Joel led a discussion about threat assessment issues and bullying. A book entitled, "Getting With It: A Kids Guide to Forming Good Relationships and Fitting In" by Kim Frank & Susan Smith-Rex was recommended by one of the psychologists as a good book for victims of bullying.
Discussion ensued about C-Level test qualifications and inappropriate use by some resource teachers. MASP is taking an initiative with the government in addressing this issue.
Chantal reviewed the workshop she had attended by Leston Havens about psychiatric interviewing. She said out of all the workshops she had been to, this was in the top three. There was a suggestion that MASP might consider this speaker sometime in the future. A recommended book was "Praise for Psychiatric Interviewing: The Art of Understanding, 2nd Edition."
Zlata discussed ESL issues and assessment.
In the afternoon, Dr. Steven Feldgaier from the St. Boniface Hospital Anxiety Disorders Clinic did a presentation on their program for children and adolescents called "The Friends for Life Program." He and his associate (Heather) gave a very interesting talk, including a great PowerPoint, sample materials, a handout, and references to assessment instruments they use. More information about the "Friends" program can be found at the following URL: http://www.friendsinfo.net In addition, free downloadable parent and child anxiety disorders rating scales can be found at the following URL: http://www2.psy.uq.edu.au/~sues/scas/ Dr. Feldgaier also mentioned that Healthy Child Manitoba was looking into promoting the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program. This parenting program tailors its components for families with differing needs. Find out more about this program at the following URL: http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild/triplep/