About Side School

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Communication skills. Life skills. Health promotion strategies. Harm reduction tips.  Regular school stuff -- Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.

We use a range of resources related to substance use and mental health, including:

Cannabis and Mental Health Course and Mentor Guide, made for youth by youth 

Schizophrenia Society of Canada + YouthREX and the Mental Health Commission of Canada

cannabisandmentalhealth.ca 

iMinds K-12 drug and gambling literacy materials for the classroom

Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (University of Victoria)

iMinds.ca 

A Life Promotion Toolkit by Indigenous Youth 

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation 

wisepractices.ca

Sensible Cannabis Education Toolkit to support adults in talking to young people 

Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy

getsensible.ca

Here to Help BC articles, toolkits and workbooks

BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information

heretohelp.bc.ca

Since Side School started in September 2022, we have worked with 75 youth, ages 10 and up, with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities.

Several students from Vancouver Island University and other universities have served as Side School tutors, mentors, workshop leaders and curriculum developers.

“Thank you for bringing in Side School. It has really made an impact on some of the youth. Your connection with them through Side School has opened new doors for them, and has given them the confidence that they so deserve and need.” - T. Peters, Coordinator, Youth Safe House, Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre

"Side School has definitely benefited both of my kids and even myself in learning how I can interact with them with school work at home in a fun way. They always come back teaching me something new. You do wonderful work holding space for my kids and connecting with them." - Mom with kids in Grades 5 and 7

“It’s nice to know my son is talking during Side School lessons. He doesn’t say much to me. I’d like to find some resources to help me connect with him.” – Mom with son in Grade 10

“I have been using Side School resources with my clients for the past four weeks. I wasn’t sure how some of my clients would feel about the program as a lot of my clients do not enjoy several aspects of learning in a traditional classroom setting. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of engagement my clients have with Side School. I think Side School has been so successful for my clients because it allows them to choose topics of interest and learn at a pace that feels comfortable to them as individuals. I am grateful to have the opportunity to incorporate Side School programming into my sessions—education is power.” - T. Thompson, Indigenous Youth Outreach Navigator, Return to Centre Program 

"It is an opportunity for youth to engage in learning in non-traditional formats and is built on a foundation of trauma-informed approaches. Sessions with youth are primarily 1-on-1 and are youth-led; this means content is built from feedback from youth and requests made. Through the use of songs and popular media, various games, and engaging with the natural world, youth have an opportunity to learn about and discuss big ideas and important concepts in a way they feel comfortable and interested in. As a ‘tutor’ with this program it was remarkable to see these kids, many of them struggling in various aspects, engage so deeply. For some it's tangible subjects like math or science, others it's bigger topics like philosophy and psychology, or social emotional skills and interpersonal communication. I have had the pleasure of developing and creating unique content and lessons for youth by weaving key teachings through non-traditional subject matter." -  F. Rompain, VIU practicum student, Community Mental Health Worker Program