Counselor’s Corner

Be a Kindness Hero at All Saints

Ambassador’s Program

The Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for 2nd-8th grade students to promote peer to peer reporting of bullying behaviors on campus. Ambassadors are trained to help students “get the help” they need if they are being bullied. They are trained to look and listen: look for bullying situations and get help from an adult and listen to their peers who may need help. A flyer will be provided explaining how to apply for those students who are interested in participating in the Ambassador Program. There will be monthly meetings and students will lead and participate in anti-bullying week activities in the spring. Should you have any questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Angela Slater, School Counselor, at 703-368-4400 (Ext. 213) or at aslater@allsaintsva.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a school counselor do?
School counselors help each child to be their best by teaching skills for social, emotional, and personal growth. They encourage respect for self and others, good decision making skills, and personal safety. When students are experiencing distress which makes it difficult for them to participate or focus in the classroom, the counselor can help them to work through current concerns and find resources as needed. Counseling and instruction at All Saints is always informed by Catholic teaching and its understanding of the human person.

How do children come to see the counselor?
There are four ways that prompt student interaction with the school counselor.

  • Parent referral:
    You may request that your child visit the counselor by calling or sending in a note. Some reasons that you might request a meeting are:
    – Your family is going through a difficult life event (for example, a loss, conflict, recent move)
    – Your child is experiencing frequent, recurrent and disruptive emotions (such as anxiety or sadness)
    – Your child is experiencing difficulty forming friendships
  • Teacher referral:
    A teacher may refer your child if he or she is:
    – In an agitated state
    – Frequently having difficulty socially or emotionally
    – Regularly exhibiting emotions or behaviors that are keeping him or her from being able to focus on school
  • Self referral:
    A student may ask to visit the counselor if he or she is regularly:
    – Feeling very upset and cannot concentrate on school.
    – Dealing with a difficult social, behavioral, or emotional concern
    – Worried about a classmate
  • Administrative referral:
    The principal or assistant principal may refer you and/or your child to the counselor if they feel that the student is referred to their office due to social/emotional issues that may be better resolved in counseling than through the disciplinary process.Students involved in a bullying situation will be referred to the counselor for conflict resolution and for the building of a partnership with families to improve the environment for all involved.

What is counseling like?
There are three types of counseling provided in the school setting: individual, group and classroom instruction.

  • Individual: Students who are very upset or having a difficult time solving a social problem can visit the counselor to discuss what is wrong. Together they will then find various solutions to help the student get back to doing what all children want to do, learn and play.
  • Group: Designed for students to support each other in learning social and emotional skills and through difficult life circumstances, including grief, conflicts and family stresses.
  • Classroom instruction: This environment is especially conducive for providing prevention programs that address the needs of all students. Topics covered include bullying, virtue formation, social skills, coping skills and problem solving strategies.

Helpful Resources
Mrs. Slater has put together the following resources to assist school families.

If you have any questions regarding All Saints Catholic School’s counseling program, please contact our school counselor Angela Slater as per the following:

  • Tel – (703) 368-4400 x213
  • Email – aslater@allsaintsva.org
  • Hours –  Mondays, 8:00AM-4:00PM; Wednesdays, 8:00AM-4:00PM, and Thursdays, 8:00AM-12:00PM