FERGUS – This year the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is celebrating Education Week and Mental Health Week concurrently, from May 6 to 10.
The education week theme is “Creating Our Future Together” and the mental health week theme is “Celebrate You: building confidence, connection and wellness.”
The board held a kick-off event on May 6 at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) in Fergus and the overwhelming theme was the importance of mental health in youth.
“Over these past two years, more than others, our school community has been faced with challenges connected to mental health,” said CWDHS principal Chad Warren.
“These challenges have been difficult for everyone: students, staff and the broader community of Centre Wellington.
“When we find ourselves in these situations we can lose sight of the positive.”
However, Warren said CWDHS staff and students have been supporting those with mental health issues.
“A committee that includes a variety of stakeholders was formed at CW to discuss the impacts and supports the school and community have to offer,” he said.
“Over the course of this week Centre Wellington District High School will focus on activities to promote mental wellness and continue battling the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues.”
Some activities will explain how students and staff can personally support their own mental health and wellness and how to recognize others in need.
One CWDHS support for students is the C-Dub Hub, a space that was created “to provide a safe place for our students to practice the tools and strategies they are developing and building on,” said child and youth worker Kim Sonnet.
“As the child and youth counsellor my role is to encourage their practice, liaise with supports and assist them on their journey to success,” said Sonnet.
“The hub is a place for students to come down if they’re needing an opportunity to regulate, if they’re needing some space, if they need a break from class, if they’re feeling a little overwhelmed, they can come down here and take some time.”
Anishinaabe Elder Jan Sherman also spoke about the importance of mental health. She emphasized to students, parents and staff that mental health and education are connected.
“That there is no distinction between learning and mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
In traditional Anishinaabe teachings, Sherman explained each person is on a unique journey throughout their entire life.
“You are guided by the spirit within you, the essence of you,” she said. “That’s the truth of you.
“And … when you listen to that inner wisdom that you came into the world carrying, it will guide you; that’s where your passions are, that’s (where your) inspirations are; it will help you determine where you need to go in order to get the education you need in order to use those gifts that you were given in a good way for the greater good of all.”
She also stressed that adults have the responsibility to show young people they’re opening themselves to the youth.
“We are remembering what it truly means to be a compassionate, loving human being and that means that we can’t place our dreams or our judgements on anyone else,” Sherman said.
“We need to ensure that they understand that we’re there to listen, to act as witnesses to the journey that they’re on and then to support them in the best way that we can and find all the supports that they need.”
UGDSB board chair Linda Busuttil also emphasized the importance of mental wellness within the board.
“Promoting positive mental health for students is a top priority for the Upper Grand District School Board,” she said.
“Mental health and wellbeing are in fact much more than three simple words.
“Mental health and wellbeing are a shared responsibility for students, schools, families and communities.”
A new mental health and wellbeing strategy, she said, addresses mental health promotion, awareness and support, with the aim of building a supportive, welcoming and caring environment for students.
“The strategy targets resources and education on a classroom level, school and a system level to ensure consistency, understanding and knowledge,” Busuttil said.
She added mental wellness strategies in the classroom are important for all students, not just those struggling.
The board has identified teacher mental health champions in every school who are tasked with supporting teachers in the creation of a healthy classroom environment.
She said the mental health and wellness strategy will “place an emphasis on parent and youth engagement and intentional efforts to understand and address wellness through the lens of our many diverse communities.”
Director of education Martha Rogers also addressed the importance of mental wellness.
“Upper Grand is committed to having a safe and welcoming, inclusive learning environment and we do recognize the essential connection between mental health and student achievement,” she said.
Rogers added UGDSB schools are holding different events this week for education and mental health and wellness week.
At the kick-off students from JD Hogarth Public School shared details about their Future Aces leadership club, which runs door decorating events, candy grams, fundraisers and other projects. The John Black Public School choir performed songs and Elora Public School students were on hand to demonstrate some science and technology projects.
