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 “Reverencing the dignity of the whole person” this year. 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.
Supporting Students through Flooding
One of the best things we can do for students is to give them some power to help. Helping create sandbags, baking for others and praying are wonderful activities for students to feel that they are helping and have something they can do to help. Children whose homes are being affected by flooding may need constant reassurance. Below is some information on typical responses and what can be done to support our children.
Here are some helpful tips about students and supporting them through times of flooding :
Wellness Week 2019
This year’s Wellness Week (January) 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: Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person. Daily focus topics included Faith, Hope & Love; Prudence; Justice and Forgiveness; Temperance; and Fortitude.
(From the John XXIII Anrprior Twitter account – @John23Arnprior)
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 2018-2019 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.
Here is our latest newsletter: Mental Health Newsletter – May 2019
Previous Newsletters:
Mental Health and Wellness Newsletter – November
Mental Health and Wellness Newsletter – June 2018
October, November, December, January, February, March, April
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.