Wellness and Mental Health

Updated: May 18, 2020

Here are some resources for promoting Wellness and Mental Health in our Ontario Catholic educational communities. These resources are particulary important in light of the current pandemic.

Teach your kids about germs! Short youtube video (47 seconds) teaching young children about germs and the power of handwashing!

Just for Students

School Mental Health Ontario Practical information to support you when you are seeking help: showcases different ways to start the conversation with a trusted person and what to expect after reaching out.

Self Care 101 for Students from School Mental Health Ontario is a Tip Sheet with small actions you can do to take care of yourself during these challenging times: Reaching Out for Help

COVID19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

Jack.org, School Mental Health Ontario and Kids Help Phone have partnered to bring you all the information needed in one easy-to-access hub so that youth can access the education, tools, support and reliable information you need. Take care of yourself, and each other.

Resources and Activities for Families:

30 Parents Share Their Favorite At-Home Activities To Help Bored Kids The Huffington Post
From educational games to apps and websites, here are some creative ways to keep children entertained during school closures.

Wellness Wednesday Activities for Families LDCSB Each Wellness Wednesday post provides: Information on mental health and well-being; a Wellness Activity to try; Reflection Questions for deeper learning; Connection to our Faith; and Links for Further Learning. No matter who you are, how old or young, Wellness Wednesdays are for you! Each post promises to give you real life, in the moment, easy to use tips and strategies. Great to use at home around the table!

12 Easy & Fun Mental Health Practices to Try at Home School Mental Health Ontario While there are many groups offering arts, crafts and other activities online that you may wish to take advantage of, School Mental Health Ontario offers some ideas that could have special benefits for promoting mental health and social-emotional learning at this time. These ideas are based on practices that educators use in the classroom and can be used at home in fun ways.

Self-care for Caregivers: Personal Resiliency Tips for Helpers Who Support Students School Mental Health Ontario It’s essential to take care of yourself, not just for your well-being, but also for those you care about and support. Your self-care will help improve your energy, focus, ability to cope with challenges and overall life experience. And you’re modelling wellness strategies for the children and youth you serve. (Ce document est disponible en français)

World Health Organization has a Mental Health sub-site. It features topics such as Mental Health at work and its annual World Mental Health Day held every October 10.

Other School Board Resources