Student support
Pedagogical support
There are various forms of support available at FISTA to support the students' learning, schoolwork, and wellbeing. The support is based on a three-tier model, where support intensifies gradually. The tree tiers of support are (1) general support, (2) intensified support, and (3) special support. The student may also get support for advancing their personal strengths.
According to Finnish law, all students have the right to adequate support for learning and growth. This support is guaranteed through the combination of student welfare services, interpreting and assistant services, as well as the general, intensified, and special support. The cooperation between home and school is essential to the growth and learning of the student.
Read more: Support for learning
Special needs education
Special needs education provides support for students who have learning difficulties in one or several areas or subjects. Based on their individual needs and teacher observations, the students can get additional learning support with reading and writing, mathematics, or other special education needs. Part-time special education is given in one of three ways: two teachers in one class, small-group instruction, or individual lessons.
FISTA has eight special education teachers (school year 2023-2024): Kristiina Launiala, Satu Laitila, Tilda Kouhia, Lauri Leinonen, Mari Kaatrasalo-Miranda, Sanna Vilkman, Ulrika Piilola and Marja Rantanen. You can contact them all via Wilma.
Student welfare services
Student welfare services provide care and support during the school day and in the everyday routines of the school. It means support for both the school community as well as individual students. Despite their name, the student welfare services provide support for the entire school community including the students, their families, and staff. Guardians are always included in the process. The student welfare services consist of school health services, school social worker, and the school psychologist.
Read more: Student welfare
School psychologist services are organized by the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirkanmaan hyvinvointialue Pirha). You can read more on the Pirha website:
Services for children, young people and families
FISTA school psychologists are Laura Oksanen and Salla Kaivola. You can also contact both via Wilma.
School psychologist, grades 3-9
Laura Oksanen
Phone 050 307 8348
Email [email protected]
School psychologist, grades 0-2
Salla Kaivola
Phone 041 730 6129
Email [email protected]
School social work services are organized by the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirkanmaan hyvinvointialue Pirha). You can read more on the Pirha website:
Services for children, young people and families
FISTA school social workers are Kirsi Vanhanen and Elli Armila. You can also contact both via Wilma.
School social worker, grades 7-9
Kirsi Vanhanen
Phone 040 801 6814
Email [email protected]
School social worker, grades 0-6
Elli Armila
Phone 040 187 7571
Email [email protected]
School coach
The school coach supports students from grades 6 to 9 with possible daily struggles, for example finding new friends, studying and daily routines, or starting a new hobby. The school coach strengthens student participation at school and takes part in building the school community. You can also contact the school coaches via Wilma or on social media.
School healthcare services are organized by the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirkanmaan hyvinvointialue Pirha). You can read more on the Pirha website:
Services for children, young people and families
The FISTA school nurses are Lila Oja (grades 6-9) and Reetta Nieminen (grades 1-5). You can also contact them using Wilma.
School nurse, grades 6-9
Lila Oja
Phone 040 806 3177
School nurse, grades 1-5
Reetta Nieminen
Phone 040 665 6019