What We Can Do For Our Students?
The Learning Support Team at W. A. Day is dedicated to collaborative problem solving and building capacity among staff to meet the needs of our exceptional learners.
We meet on a weekly basis to discuss and put into action, plans to support our students who may be experiencing academic, social-emotional and/or behavioral challenges.
Classroom teachers attend monthly team meetings to collaborate in planning for student success.
Learning Support Teacher, Cali Van Sluys is our team leader. She is the key contact for parents and teachers who have questions or concerns about our exceptional learners. She advocates for inclusive programming, organizes case conferences, and arranges for academic and other assessments. She oversees all of our Individual Program Planning (IPP) and Program Unit Funding (PUF) for preschool and kindergarten. Mrs. Van Sluys also provides direct classroom support to assist in meeting the needs of our students.
Family School Liason Counsellor, Karen Sparkes provides counseling and support to individual students or in groups. She strives to enhance family situations through support, education and referrals. She is a member on the school-based threat assessment team and post-crisis response team. She also collaborates in providing character education and social skills programming.
Native Liason Worker, Sherri Terpstra helps staff understand cultural differences in dealing with First Nations families and assists parents and students in adjusting to the educational institution. She also organizes and provides extra curricular activities and programs that promote cultural awareness.
Supporting Transitions and Youth (STAY) Worker, Sherri Terpstra (currently fulfilling this role) assists First Nations families in creating a strong sense of belonging both to the school and the community through a comprehensive, individualized transition plan.
Administrators, Connie Dersch-Gunderson and Dana Burrows, provide leadership, direction and support for inclusive education for all our students. They keep abreast of all student issues as well as oversee and support team initiatives.