Student Support & Wellness

The Wellness Centre is a safe space for students and community members to take a breather from the stress of the day and seek out health resources available on campus. The Centre works closely and collaboratively with various departments such as Physical Health and Education, Campus Ministry, and the Learning Centre.  

Counselling Service

The Wellness Centre offers personal, short-term counselling with a primary focus on fostering a relationship with students to understand their concerns, and to promote their health and well-being. Possible issues addressed in the Centre include depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, major life transitions, interpersonal difficulties, grief and loss. The Centre operates from a Stepped-Care model, meaning that the level of care "steps up" as the particular concern increases. Per academic year, each student is entitled to receive up to a maximum of 8 counselling sessions with our Director of Wellness, Mr. Huang. If more sessions are required or the specific nature of the concern exceeds the scope of the Centre’s practice, referrals to external resources will be provided. Please contact the Wellness Centre at VCWellness@vancouvercollege.ca if you have any inquiries/questions/concerns.

Privacy and Confidentiality 

As we wish to ensure that every boy's privacy rights are protected, counsellors are required to keep information confidential or private. This means what students share with a counsellor cannot be shared without the student’s permission.

There are specific situations in which information may be shared with others, and they include the following:

• If we have reason to believe that a student has been abused (i.e., physically, sexually, or emotionally) or has experienced neglect.
• If we have reason to believe that a student might seriously harm themselves or someone else.
• If a court order or other legislation legally requires the counsellor to provide information.
• If the student gives permission to share the information.
• If there is a need to consult with another professional to provide the most effective counselling and support.

Vancouver College has developed The Learning Centre (TLC) to support students learning. TLC assists learners with diverse needs through collaboration between students, staff and families to help each student succeed. 

If your son requires TLC support, please meet with our TLC teachers and submit the exceptional learning profile document upon registration. 

Community engagement and investment in the common good can take many forms. Peer Mentorship is a volunteer program which supports building awareness and character and is often a strong predictor of university success. Mentors will increase their ability to take other perspectives and care for a diverse group of individuals. They strive to Be Better Men who think about helping rather than doing for others. 

Who

For students who want immersive, sustained, authentically chosen, powerful learning experiences. Activities as a peer mentor might deepen your understanding of yourself and help you figure out who you are and want to be.

What

In a 10-month commitment, from September through to June, selected candidates will receive training in supporting students with various learning profiles. The work is very personal, either in a small group setting, a classroom or working one-to-one with a student, from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.

Peer Mentors receive full-service hours and reference letters for scholarships and admissions to universities and post-secondary institutions. Reference letters are specific to the individual, their initiatives and the depth of his learning experience.

How

Grade 11 students may sign up for peer mentorship online during course selection or contact TLC (The Learning Centre) teachers directly.

The Peer Tutoring program provides academic support in specific subjects. Under the supervision of The Learning Centre, qualified student volunteers dedicate their time and effort to assisting students who support with their academic performance. Our peer tutors create a welcoming space that encourages students to seek the academic support they need.

Research shows that front-loading subject matter before a class and reviewing with personalized peer support enhances learning and improves grades. The program's success greatly depends on the participants' commitment level and the tutee's motivation and intention to come prepared with material and goals for each session. 

If a student or a tutor needs to miss a session, he is to give reasonable notice (24 hours via email to vcpeertutoring@vancouvercollege.ca. Students can miss a maximum of two sessions without notice. If the student misses more than two sessions without notifying, he could lose his spot and be placed on the program's waitlist.

We strive to accommodate everyone. However, we have limited capacity due to the centre's space and the number of tutors available during the school year. Parents will be contacted directly with further details when a student registers and has been placed in a session. 

Students (not tutors) must bring two cheques for $25. The first cheque covers the yearly fee, which includes our appreciation lunch. The second cheque is an attendance deposit cheque that will be returned at the end of the school year if the student gives proper notification to both his tutor and the program when he needs to miss a session. 

Peer tutoring will be cancelled during exams, early dismissal days, or other special events. Please refer to the school calendar for these details and updates.