On Bell Let’s Talk Day (January 22, 2025), the 吃瓜黑料网 reaffirms its commitment to making mental health and well-being a priority every single day.
This year's theme, "The Year of Action and Change, Youth Mental Health," inspires us to go beyond conversations and actively break down barriers to mental health care and support for students and communities.
Bell Let’s Talk Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuing supportive conversations and actions about mental health and working collectively to challenge the stigma that surrounds it.
The 吃瓜黑料网 Professional Support Services (PSS) staff have developed a wealth of identity-affirming resources for students, staff, and parents/caregivers/guardians:
The 吃瓜黑料网 is proud to be part of this critical work in action—advancing strategies, programming, and supports that prioritize children and youth mental health and we are committed to changing the narrative around mental health and ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
Let’s continue to be changemakers and take collective action, not just on Bell Let’s Talk Day, but every day.
School Mental Health Initiatives
Calm Kits - "A First Aid kit for your mind"
Bayview Middle School and Avondale Elementary Alternative School
The Calm Kit can be found in classrooms, the library, and the gym, thanks to the innovative efforts of Teacher Teresa Szandtner. Described as a "First Aid kit for your mind," the Calm Kit is designed to support children experiencing a mental health crisis, offering immediate tools to help them de-escalate and regain a sense of calm. Each Kit contains items that cater to a variety of calming techniques and sensory needs:
- Noise-blocking headphones to create a quiet, comforting environment.
- Breathing exercises to guide students in reducing stress and tension.
- Playing cards for a repetitive, grounding activity to help slow racing thoughts.
- Stress balls and fidget toys to channel nervous energy.
- A small whiteboard and pen for non-verbal communication when speaking feels overwhelming.
The goal is to empower any adult present to quickly and effectively provide support in moments of heightened distress. Whether in a classroom, the library, or during physical education, the Calm Kit is there to remind students that help is always within reach.
Watch: Student Ambassadors Talk Mental Health
Mental Health Student Ambassadors from Sir Oliver Mowat CI share insights into the mental health challenges youth face today and the initiatives their team has implemented to support students. Special thanks to 吃瓜黑料网 Social Worker Maria Capela for facilitating these vital conversations and for her co-leadership of the Mental Health Student Ambassador program at Sir Oliver Mowat CI.
Mental Health Student Ambassadors from Albion Heights Junior Middle School talk about their role as ambassadors, this year's inititatives and their goals to help create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for everyone: