We continue to cultivate mentally healthy school environments that promote well-being, positive mental health, engagement and a sense of belonging and mattering among all students and staff. By developing inclusive, identity-affirming mental health resources and practices, we aim to understand and support the unique needs and lived experiences of every student.
The Mental Health Student Ambassador Program
The Mental Health Student Ambassador Program will be piloted in 50 schools throughout the district, in both elementary and secondary schools. The program fosters student leadership in promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and creating inclusive school environments.
By amplifying student voices and ensuring that mental health initiatives are youth-led, the program plays a critical role in building a supportive, connected, and mentally healthy school culture.
Overall, the program focusses on supporting school spaces that are inclusive to students with disabilities/special education needs and intersecting identities in collaboration with social workers, child and youth workers/counsellors, school staff and community.
The power of fitness through Exercise to Success
This past year, over 800 students participated in this program across elementary and secondary schools. Through thoughtful discussions and a focus on community engagement, Exercise to Success empowers youth to become leaders who positively impact their communities.
The program emphasizes inclusivity and youth, teachers and community participants come from a range of diverse backgrounds. By creating a supportive and safe environment, the program encourages healthy attitudes and nurtures relationships, while helping participants accept opportunities that are necessary for their growth and success.
Supervised Alternative Learning Students: Voices of Belonging
The Voices of Belonging project strengthens connections between students and schools. Its goal was to show that when students feel their passions are valued, they feel a deeper sense of belonging and engagement in the school community – which is vital for their well-being.
For the 63 participating students, this project offered a chance to express what matters most to them through creative outlets like video-making, crocheting, spoken word, rapping or rock climbing. Students also created a short video showcasing their self-expression.
The voices of Supervised Alternative Learning students are essential in supporting and learning what mentally healthy school spaces feel like, through effective and caring engagement.
The Youth Leadership Program: 2021-24
Over 400 students have now participated in this program, which is led by 吃瓜黑料网 Mental Health Leads, social workers and Community Youth Workers. The Youth Leadership Mental Health Program is a four-week initiative designed to provide equitable and culturally responsive opportunities to youth to explore the foundations of mental health and well-being.
Through safe spaces for learning and reflection, students engage in discussions around coping with life’s challenges and share their unique experiences. By the end of the program, every student creates a visual representation of what mental wellness means to them, amplifying their voice and while continuing a sense of personal growth.
Transitions events for families and students with disabilities and special education needs
This initiative, led by Professional Support Services staff and Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services, focused on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan priorities of equity, belonging, and mattering by building relationships and creating inclusive spaces for students who were transitioning into Intensive Support Programs (integrated and congregated).
Funding supported staff connections with students and families who were entering secondary schools, to facilitate a smoother, more collaborative transition. It also provided opportunities for families to engage with school staff, learn about Intensive Support Programs, tour facilities, and connect with community resources.
Workshops promoting life skills and job readiness were also offered, creating a supportive environment for students' mental, physical, and learning wellness. Overall, 17 secondary schools (integrated and congregated) participated in the program this year. A total of 51 current students were supported through engagement, school tours and event co-hosting opportunities with staff, while 170 new students were also supported through the event. Around 340 parents, caregivers and guardians with extended families were also present during the events to support and learn about their child’s transitions into secondary schools.