Haut-Lac International Bilingual School

Student well-being is at the heart of Haut-Lac's educational approach; staff and parents collaborate to promote social, emotional, academic and multicultural competencies in a safe and stimulating environment. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. Student mental health is a vital part of the school's philosophy, and emotional well-being is linked to student success. A student-designed mental health resources site is available for information and guidance. The Buddy Programme pairs new students aged 3 to 18 with an existing student to help them settle in, learn routines, and translate when needed. The House system promotes belonging and cross-age interaction, with leaders and ambassadors helping organize activities and the Secondary Student Council coordinating events.

The Educational Support Department works with classroom teachers to identify each child's strengths and challenges, helping them succeed academically and personally. Support includes targeted literacy and numeracy interventions. Personalised learning strategies are used for diverse learning profiles. Specialist guidance for neurodivergent students is available. Collaborative planning with families and external professionals supports ongoing progress. Mother tongue support is provided to reinforce language development.

Haut-Lac has specialist teachers for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLA) to help students develop proficiency. The language support team develops Individual Language Support Plans, with classroom-based support and, when necessary, small-group or one-to-one sessions outside class used sparingly to maintain social integration. Language development is supported by mother tongue education, including clubs and resources. A full 50/50 bilingual pathway exists, alongside an English pathway with daily French language lessons. German from P3 and Spanish from MYP1 are offered as additional languages, with language clubs supporting ongoing practice.

Student mental health is a vital part of Haut-Lac's philosophy and is linked to student success. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. The school provides mental health resources, including a website designed by a student with mental health facts and resources. Boarding students have access to the school counsellor for confidential support. Boarding and day programmes include sessions on mental well-being, healthy eating, and emotional development as part of tutor programmes and awareness campaigns.

Haut-Lac is recognised as a Child Safeguarding School. The primary social & emotional well-being program creates a safe environment where every 6- to 11-year-old feels secure, valued and ready to learn. The school prioritises emotional, physical and mental safety within both boarding and day programmes. Staff and the school counsellor are available to listen to and support students, including confidential conversations. Boarding staff engage in mental well-being sessions and related awareness campaigns as part of their care and safeguarding responsibilities.