Innisfail High School students learn skills to overcome challenges

Students are learning the skills needed to face the challenges of life through the “Coping with changes, loss, and grief,” course at the Innisfail High School.

A total of 55 students have taken the course over the three years that it’s been offered, and this year, 15 students are enrolled.

“I’ve been through the class twice,” said En Vezina, a Grade 10 student. “I originally signed up because I was interested in the content. I took it again because even though I haven’t lost someone in my family for a long time, I wanted the skills and ability to cope so that I am not stranded in open water if that happens.”

Through the course, students learn different breathing techniques and the importance of asking for help. Students also use art to express their emotions, and learn QiGong movements, to help move through feelings.

Students making art in the “Coping with change, loss, and grief," course.

William Bona, a Grade 12 student said the breathing techniques they learned in the course help when they are taking a test.

“I tried it out in various situations and these techniques helped me,” Bona said. "The skills we learn in the class are helpful for living life.”

Ley-Anne Mountain, the instructor of the course, also brings rabbits with her.

“A rabbit is a prey animal, it needs to feel safe,” said Mountain. “It is our responsibility to provide safety for them in the classroom. That makes us accountable for our behavior. Animals give us honest feedback because they are quick to react to their environment. As students become attuned to what the rabbits are doing, and make adjustments, they become more attuned to themselves, and other people too.”

Chris Adamson, Principal of Innisfail High School, explained that Mountain understands the unique challenges of students who are coping with change, loss, and grief and can provide the support they need.

“Students who have participated in the course have learned important skills and are now better equipped to face the next obstacles in their lives,” said Adamson.

“I love working with students in this course. These students are capable, resilient, and brilliant,” said Mountain. “They have hard conversations and, together, have created a safe space for each other. They each show up, wholeheartedly. They work and find their way through hard things. That’s pure courage, honesty, and bravery.”