Student Support
VIS strives to prepare learners to be successful in the next stage of their learning journey.
VIS is committed to meeting the needs of the students in our care, whether this be academic, social or emotional. Support for student achievement and well-being comes in many forms ranging from differentiating instruction to identifying a peer mentor to support adjustment to their new environment.
Often, student support is provided in a more targeted manner by a teacher or school counsellor. This may come in the form of English language instruction, Lithuanian language support, learning support provided, counselling advice when engaging in course selection or university admissions, or consultations by a school psychologist to support social and emotional wellbeing.
English language support is provided to students in a variety of formats dependent on their age and phase of acquisition. Students new to VIS are assessed using the WIDA assessment tool in primary school and by an internally designed assessment for those entering middle school.
Primary school and MYP students may be eligible for targeted push-in or pull-out support by an EAL specialist. Reach out to the section principals if you have further questions about English langauge support.
VIS supports a philosophy of inclusion and accepts students with mild learning needs under the condition that they are able to meet the academic requirements of the education programme with the supports available at any given time. These are further outlined in our Learning Support Policy.
The VIS goal is to ensure that all students are thoroughly prepared for university, life, and success beyond their time with us. To this end, we offer developmentally appropriate support and guidance related to university options and applications beginning in grade 8.
Throughout our work with students a variety of courses of study, skills and pathways are introduced, explored and supported. We provide university and career support through small-group and individual sessions with students and families throughout their time at VIS. Reach out to neringa.sakiniene@vischool.lt if you have further questions.
VIS has a psychologist available to advocate for the needs of students of all ages. The primary role of this School Counsellor is to promote the wellbeing of all of our students. This support may come in many forms and is available to any student on an as needed basis. Students may access the support of the School Counsellor through self-referral or staff referral by sending an e-mail request.
The School Counsellor is available to address the following:
– social and emotional concerns of individuals, small groups, or whole class;
– academic concerns, including study skills; and
– peer and teacher related conflicts.
Conversations between the School Counsellor and the student are confidential except when the student is perceived to be in danger.
Students can seek support for a range of issues and parents will not be contacted unless immediate concerns related to those factors stated previously.
In any situation, however, the Counsellor would work with the student to involve the parent/s as much as possible. For example, the Counsellor would suggest to the student that a parent come in and meet with the school or follow up with an email or phone call.
If a student requires support beyond three months, the School Counsellor may recommend that the parent solicit the services of a therapist or other professionals for regular ongoing consultation. A list of options can be provided by the school upon request. Reach out to the section principal if you would like to pursue a referral to the School Counsellor.