Welcome back!
We enjoyed several Summer Wellness Programs supporting students getting ready for school and are excited to begin the new school year. This year the RCCDSB theme is:
This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly,
to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Health and Wellness is especially important to RCCDSB which is why there are workers supporting students in our schools. Please click on the link to view the page. https://sites.google.com/rccdsb.ca/our-staff/home
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 Lessons
Social Emotional Learning
This year teachers have been given a home grown package of social emotional learning lessons for all grades with the help of a talented team of our own educators. This can support all students in coming back into the classroom and remembering that community, connection and collaboration are all important parts of the classroom! Together we can empower our children with resilience activities – learning that we can all benefit from.
The
Social Emotional Learning Calendar kindergarten to grade 3 classrooms
The social emotional learning calendars highlight the importance of focusing on well-being each and every day in the classroom and are provided throughout the year so that teachers have a daily option of a new social emotional learning activity.
Social Emtional Learning Calendar for junior and intermediate
Social and Emotional First 10 Day Lessons for all grades connected to Faith
The link to these materials can be found here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lTu3TQJWiKCio-dRANsIWtXA83nV58Ib?usp=sharing
Mental Health Newsletter
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.
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 2020-2021 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
- Please note that there is a new community resource supporting mental health in Renfrew County –
- This resource was created in collaboration with multiple service agencies and CHEO to ensure that families would call one number and could be directed to the best service for them in the most efficient way possible. If you know anyone who is struggling, follow the link to be directed to the best mental health service for them in this community.
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.
