Student Support

The School Psychologist provides support to students who are experiencing social, emotional, or learning difficulties within the school setting. Parents and teachers are able to contact the School Psychologist to arrange a consultation and follow-up meetings. There is close collaboration with the teachers in order to improve the school life of the students.  The objective of the School Psychologist is to promote the well-being of each individual, as well as their cognitive, emotional, physical and social development with the aim of enhancing the teaching and learning environment for each of them, and the wellbeing of the school community. Individual and group counseling and classroom support are held regularly in order to accommodate the needs of every student.

Available Protocols for students’ health and well-being are the following:

1. Anxiety, Depression and School Refusal Protocol

2. Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Protocol

3. Self-Harm and Suicide Intervention Protocol

4. Grief Response Protocol

5. Mental Health Warning Signs

The philosophy of Pinewood counseling services lies on a systemic approach, on connection, relationships, and dynamics among parents, students, and teachers, while taking into consideration the individual needs, personality, and culture of each student and their family. Meetings are held in a safe, confidential, and holistic environment, for the School Psychologist to receive information and explore relationships, as well as achieve a more balanced and neutral intervention. Open communication with families is an integral component of this process.

Students who are residing at the Anatolia Dormitory Facilities, and their families, are able to contact the Dormitory Liaison, Ms. Smaragda Spyrou, in case they have concerns or experience difficulties. Regular meetings between the Dormitory team of Anatolia and the Pinewood School Psychologists are held, as well as after-school visits, and planned group activities, to ensure the well-being of the students, accommodate their needs, and create a smooth transition and adjustment.

Internships

Pinewood collaborates with universities in Greece and abroad to support students in Psychology programs with internships, to learn through practice in a school setting. All Psychology interns are supervised by the Psychologists and follow school guidelines and the code of conduct. 

The Student Services Department prepares seminars and programs, throughout the year, that promote the well-being of the students, valid and objective information and a mindful approach. Whole school programs include:

• Risk and Stress Management
• Sexual Education from K-Gr 12
• Mental Health Week: Raising awareness of mental health difficulties
• Career Orientation Inventories
• Wellbeing Ambassadors After-School Club
• Anti-Bullying Projects:  Collaborative actions to promote kindness and acceptance

Students are active members of the Well-being programs, since they are encouraged to make suggestions and participate in the planning and implementation of the programs. This takes place under adult supervision. 

Since September of 2022, Pinewood Early Years & Elementary School has adopted a school-wide initiative to support student behavior through positive interventions and support (PBIS). The PBIS initiative at Pinewood focuses on four main, clear, school-wide expectations for students: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Scholarly. These expectations are introduced to students at the start of the academic year, allowing ample opportunities for learning and practice. Positive reinforcement is utilized to acknowledge and celebrate students’ efforts.

A second initiative undertaken at Pinewood since 2019, is the Sexual Education Program for all grades, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Students receive education, according to their age, to learn the importance and ways of building relationships, discover body parts, and respect privacy, as well as hygiene. Moving on to older students, puberty, relationships, online behavior, and human sexuality are themes that will be covered. The Sex Ed curriculum is adjusted to the needs of our school and is delivered by trained professionals.

The Pinewood Optimal Learning and Psychoeducational Assessment Center offers psychoeducational testing services to students located in Thessaloniki, Greece. Diagnostic assessments and evaluations involve a series of standardized assessments and rating scales administered to ascertain a child’s strengths, weaknesses, learning style, and educational needs. The results of these assessments inform the creation of a comprehensive psychoeducational report and an Individualized Learning Plan, detailing the accommodations and support required for the student to achieve their full potential. These psychoeducational assessments are conducted by the School Psychologist in collaboration with the Learning Specialists.

Pinewood upholds a dedicated commitment to Child Protection and Safeguarding. Our policy is diligently maintained, to foster a safe and secure environment for all members of the community. The policy is accessible to the entire Pinewood community and can be conveniently accessed here. Faculty & Staff undergo regular training sessions, while online and in-person training is also organized throughout the year by the Child Protection Officers for a broader audience. These initiatives aim to further educate the community on matters related to Child Protection.

At Pinewood, our School Psychologists also serve as designated Child Protection Officers within their respective divisions. They are readily available for consultation via email, phone, or in-person meetings. To facilitate transparency and accountability, members of our community are encouraged to utilize the EY/Elementary & Secondary Reporting Forms. We prioritize open communication and encourage reporting through any of the aforementioned channels, whether formal or informal.