Our Catholic Schools are committed to fostering an environment characterized by the call to love unconditionally; we strive to reverence the dignity of each person and sustain school environments characterized by warmth, hospitality, good humour and joy. In light of this commitment, the board is intent on supporting the mental health and well-being of all students.
COVID-19
Our hope is to support all students with wellness during this unusual time. New School Mental Health Ontario material has been uploaded to support those in need at this time. You can access by clicking on the picture below.
Well-Being in-class Lessons
This year to support the well-being of all students, the Safe School Coordinator, under the guidance of superintendents Elizabeth Burchat and Mary-Lise Rowat, has created 10 days of social emotional learning lessons for all grades with the help of a talented team of our own educators. Together we can empower our children with resilience activities – learning that we can all benefit from.
October Mental Health Newsletter
Mental Health Newsletter October 2020
January 2020 was Wellness Month. Daily focus topics included Faith, Hope & Love; Prudence; Justice and Forgiveness; Temperance; and Fortitude.
Mental Health and Wellness 3 Year Strategic Plan
It is a pleasure to add our strategic plan for the next 3 years for mental health and wellness.
School Mental Health and Wellness Strategy 2018 – 2021
Here is a copy of our 2019-2020 Mental Health and Wellness Action Plan
Mental Health Newsletters
Each month comes with a new newsletter giving teachers and parents some new resources and ideas for improving and maintaining mental health and wellness with their students and children.
Previous Mental Health Newsletters
Mental Health Newsletter – June 2020
Mental Health Newsletter – May 2020
Mental Health Newsletter – April 2020
Mental Health Newsletter – March 2020
Mental Health Newsletter – February 2020
Mental Health Newsletter – January 2020
Below you will find links and resources to support well-being and help students flourish.
Community Mental Health Resources
Board Mental Health and Wellness plan
Family Resources
The Mehrit Center – Self-Regulation with Stuart Shankar – This web link contains information sheets on what you need to know about self-regulation including Self-Regulation the Early Years, 10 Self-Regulation Lessons Learned, The Impact of Trauma and Self-Regulation a Parent’s Guide.
Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) – Parents’ Lifelines is a non-profit family support organization for parents and caregivers whose children to age 24 are dealing with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Their website includes information on the services they provide including: a Confidential Telephone Helpline, Parent Support Groups, and a Young Adult Support group.
CHEO – Ask the Experts – a series of questions and answers by parents, caregivers and friends of children with mental health issues. Real life issues are presented and CHEO’s psychiatrist, Dr. Hazen Gandy and psychologist, Dr. Phil Ritchie provide answers.
Thinking Helpful Thoughts – This is an interactive healthy thinking activity, which can help children to learn how to think about common stressful situations in a more healthy and balanced way. Parents can work through the activity with their child and can encourage them to identify more helpful ways of thinking about other stressful situations in their lives as well.
Interactive Bedtime Routine – If your family is dealing with bedtime struggles, a consistent bedtime routine can be helpful. This interactive activity will help children and parents develop a more structured bedtime routine. Check off the activities as you complete them and then receive a special goodnight message! You can also choose to print your customized routine.
Phoenix Center for children and families parent resources – These resources are recommended by the local children’s mental health center.
Watch for the theme “Be the hope” this year coming from the larger vision statement “Inspired by our rich heritage and challenged by the struggles of our past, we are called to pass on the good news of Jesus Christ, and to be the hope for the future.”. This theme was chosen from the RCCDSB vision statement by Director Mr. Perry.
At Renfrew County Catholic, we take the Health and Wellness of our students and staff very seriously. We know that a student that is healthy, both physically and mentally, is best able to learn and grow.
Parent videos for student mental health
Click on the picture to view short 2-5 minute videos about supporting students with their mental health. These videos feature some of the most distinguished professionals in the field of mental health.