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 humor and joy. In light of this commitment, the board is intent on supporting the mental health and well-being of all students.
Watch for the theme “Warmth, good humor, hospitality and joy” this year. This theme was chosen from the RCCDSB vision statement by the new director Mr. Perry and encourages all schools to shine a spotlight on all of the warmth, good humor, hospitality and joy enjoyed within RCCDSB.
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.
Wellness Week 2018
This year’s Wellness Week (January 23-27) was a great success, with many different activities happening at schools across the board, following a new faith-based topic each day, all based on this year’s theme: Resilience from Faith, in Action! Daily focus topics included Faith, Hope & Love; Prudence; Justice and Forgiveness; Temperance; and Fortitude.
(From the John XXIII Anrprior Twitter account – @John23Arnprior)
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.
Here is our latest newsletter: Mental Health Newsletter – April 2018
Previous Newsletters:
2017/2018 School Year:
October, November, December, January, February, March,
2016/2017 School Year:
November, December, January, February, March, May, June
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.
Aggressive Behavior in Children and Youth: When is it Something to be Concerned About? There isn’t a simple reason to explain why someone behaves aggressively. However, we do know that there are characteristics of children, youth their families and their environments that can either increase or decrease the likelihood that they will display aggressive behavior. These factors are discussed in this article, along with strategies for preventing and managing aggression, knowing when aggression is a concern and how to get help.
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.