IB PYP Education
CIS Caring Community | Systematic Mental Support as “Caring Community” Strength
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At CIS, our educational goal is “Academic Excellence, Caring Community.” Psychological support is a vital part of this system.
At CIS, student wellbeing is supported through a professional and structured framework centered on understanding each individual. This system forms a strong foundation that supports students’ growth.
At CIS, psychological support is led by professional school counselors and includes individual counseling, group sessions, as well as collaboration with teachers and parents.
Traditionally, psychological support is often seen as something that happens only after problems arise. However, Ms. Sophia emphasizes:
"At our school, support doesn’t begin when problems appear—it is embedded throughout students’ learning, growth, and adaptation."
Through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Life Skills programs, students gradually develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Through discussions, interactions, and real-life scenarios, they learn to:
Recognize their emotions
Cope with pressure and challenges
Build healthy relationships
Seek support when needed
For example, a recent middle school lesson titled “Life Pawnshop” invited students to reflect on what they would trade in life. Through discussion, students came to realize that what truly matters is often irreplaceable.
This is not just a classroom activity, but a meaningful exercise in self-awareness, values, and emotional expression—shifting psychological support from reactive response to capacity building.
Psychological support is not just emotional communication—it is a professional practice. Students may seek help proactively or be referred through teachers’ observations.
Whether it is new students adjusting to a new environment, or current students facing academic pressure, social challenges, or transitional changes, support is available when needed.
Each case is supported through:
Professional documentation
Risk assessment when necessary
Ongoing follow-up
These processes help counselors better understand students’ development and provide targeted support. Psychological support is not a one-time conversation, but a continuous process of care and follow-up. When needed, the school also collaborates with families to develop appropriate support plans.
Through this process, students gradually learn to adapt, regulate their emotions, and face challenges with greater confidence.
At CIS, psychological support is not the responsibility of a single role, but a collaborative system involving multiple stakeholders across daily school life.
In the elementary years, within an inquiry-based learning environment that integrates the Alberta curriculum and IB PYP framework, students are given more opportunities to express themselves.
As IB PYP Coordinator Ms. Michelle notes: "In an inquiry-based classroom, students have many opportunities to express themselves, and teachers can better notice changes in their well-being."
When changes are observed, LPs (Learning Partners) continue to monitor students and communicate with counselors when needed.
With ongoing observations and feedback across different contexts, counselors conduct professional assessments and provide appropriate support accordingly.
Student growth is shaped by both school and family. When family-related factors affect a student’s wellbeing, the school actively communicates with parents to better understand the child and identify suitable support strategies. When necessary, the student support team and school leadership are also involved.
As Communication Principal, Mr. Mark, shared: "We work closely with students and families to deeply understand each child’s needs."
At CIS, individual care is embedded in classrooms, daily interactions, and the entire community.
When students face changes and challenges, this support system responds in time—ensuring they feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward with confidence.