New Career Studies Mental Health Literacy Modules Support Student Mental Health and Well-being
Learning about mental health at school can help students build skills and strategies that promote well-being. This year, we are introducing two new Mental Health Literacy Modules from the Ministry of Education within the Grade 10 Careers Studies Course (GLC20). While mental health learning has always been part of the Career Studies curriculum, this new and updated content provides educators with ready-to-use resources and materials to support this essential learning. These modules build upon the grade 7 and 8 Mental Health Literacy Modules introduced last school year.
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A Back to School Message for Parents from the OCDSB Mental Health Team
The OCDSB Mental Health Team is sharing a few tools and strategies to help parents and students prepare for the return to school.
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Navigating Transitions at the End of the School Year
As the school year comes to an end and we get ready to transition into summer, it’s normal to be carrying a number of different emotions. Transitions can bring feelings of stress for ourselves and our children, as these transitions force us to learn, grow, and adapt. As the school year begins to wind down, the OCDSB Mental Health team shared a few strategies you can use to support your child as they navigate this period of “ending” in their life.
Boosting Parents’ Knowledge and Confidence – Youth and Substance Use
In June 2024, we welcomed Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services for a virtual session that provided parents and caregivers with the most current information on youth and substance use. We explored reasons why some youth experience problematic substance use and effective parenting strategies to support youth’s overall health and wellbeing. The aim of this session was to decrease the fear and stigma that can exist when discussing substance use, and to increase knowledge on what supports are most helpful no matter where a youth might be on the substance use health spectrum.
Be the Difference: Belonging is the Support We Need
In May 2024, we welcomed speaker and facilitator Gaelin Elmore for a virtual session exploring the transformational power of belonging. Gaelin shared his personal journey through childhood adversity and trauma, and discussed how belonging led him to join the National Football League before eventually becoming a motivational speaker.
Let's Talk About Kinder Success
In March 2024, staff from the OCDSB Learning Support Services department held a session to empower parents/guardians and caregivers with knowledge and tools to enhance their student’s success in Kindergarten. They explored the partnership between school and home, self-regulation skills, the learning environment, the importance of routines and expectations, and the link between language and emotions.
AFFIRM Parent/Caregiver Information Program
The OCDSB will be hosting a virtual, 7-session evidence informed group program designed to help parents and caregivers build confidence and skills to support their 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Exploring Mental Health Together: Resources for parents and caregivers of students in grades 7 & 8
Learning about mental health at school can help students to build skills and strategies that support their well-being. As your child learns through the Ministry of Education’s Mental Health Literacy Modules for grades 7 and 8, you can learn along with them and find helpful tips on how to maintain positive mental health and well-being for your child.
Journeying Together: Parenting Through the Storm with Ann Douglas
The past few years have been an exceptionally challenging time to be a parent, and an exceptionally challenging time to be a kid. In this workshop, Ann Douglas shared strategies for getting to a happy, healthy place as a family and strengthening relationships between parents/guardians and their children.
Ann shared tips to help parents give themselves permission to be gloriously imperfect (and allow children to do the same), and supported participants to celebrate the many strengths and gifts that they and their children bring.
Navigating Transitions: A June Message from the OCDSB Mental Health Team
As the school year begins to wind down, here are a few strategies parents can use to support their child as they navigate this period of “ending”.
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Mental Health Week 2023
This year's Mental Health Week took place from May 1 - 7, 2023. This article shares some of the resources and challenges that were prepared by the OCDSB's Mental Health Team for students, staff members, and families.
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A May message from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team: Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
This month, the OCDSB Mental Health Team prepared a message on the benefits of laughter in creating stronger family connections, increasing coping skills and rediscovering joy in parenting.
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An April Message from the OCDSB Mental Health Team: Positivity
Continue reading for a few tips from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team on how you can use positivity as a mindset for both yourself and for your child(ren), especially when you encounter challenging situations.
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A March Message from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team: Validating Emotions
Here are a few tips and strategies from the OCDSB's Mental Health Team on validating and responding to your child's emotions.
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Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Well-Being
Watch the recording from our OCDSB Speaker Series Event, "Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Well-Being".
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A February Message from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team
Relaxation and Coping Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Making time to quiet your mind and body can be a challenge when balancing the many demands of family life, but integrating relaxation and coping strategies into your day can be a great way to help reduce stress for both you and your child(ren).
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A January Message from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team
The OCDSB’s Mental Health Team has prepared a message for families, on how practicing gratitude can help improve mental health and wellbeing.
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Love Builds Brains: Bringing Joy Back to Learning, a Webinar with Dr. Jean Clinton
In this virtual workshop, Dr. Clinton shared her knowledge and expertise with families on how through compassion, connection, and hope, we can create conditions for our children to flourish and thrive.
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A September Message to Parents and Guardians
The OCDSB’s mental health team has gathered a few tips to help parents and guardians prepare themselves and their families for the return to school.
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Resource Highlight: How to Support a Mentally Healthy Back to School for Your Child
As we approach the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, families may be feeling a number of different emotions about what this new school year will look like for them. A new resource created by School Mental Health Ontario provides parents and guardians with guidance on how to support a mentally healthy back to school season for their children.
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Resource Highlight: A Video Message from SMHO on How to Support Your Child's Transitions
School Mental Health Ontario has created a video message for parents and caregivers called “By Your Side - How to Support Your Child's Transitions: A Message to Parents and Caregivers”. If your child is experiencing a transition in life, whether it’s returning to school, moving to a new neighbourhood, or something else, take a few minutes to watch this video to learn how you can help support them.
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Webinar Recording: What to Say When Nothing Seems to Work, Communication through Connection (Guest Speaker Dr. Adele Lafrance)
On June 9, 2022, Dr. Adele Lafrance provided an informative and engaging webinar for parents and caregivers. This evidence-based virtual workshop provided concrete strategies to encourage cooperation, support transitions, and respond to difficult emotions like worry, anger, hopelessness, and boredom, all while ensuring the relationships remain at the forefront.
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Webinar Recording: Recognizing and Responding to Stress and Anxiety
On May 17, 2022, Dr. Kristin Schaub and Jennifer Glassman provided an informative webinar about recognizing and responding to stress and anxiety. In a time when many are discussing the levels of stress and anxiety felt in children, the session provided an opportunity for parents and caregivers to better understand the differences between stress, fear, and anxiety, and offered practical strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children with feelings of stress and worry.
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Episode 2 of In Conversation with OCDSB: “It’s OK”
For the second episode of the OCDSB podcast, we spoke with Emily Balla, the OCDSB’s mental health lead, about mental health, wellness, and how parents can support children (and themselves) to better deal with the challenges that come our way.
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Mental Health Week is May 2-8
This year, Mental Health Week takes place from May 2-8. The theme of the week is Empathy, before you weigh in, tune in. We will explore this theme each day by learning about mindfulness, feelings, wellness, thoughtfulness, and fun!
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March 7th is Black Mental Health Day
Black Mental Health Day, recognized each year on the first Monday of March, is an opportunity to confront the impacts of anti-Black racism on the physical and mental health of Black Canadians.
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Guidance for Families to Discuss the Situation in Ukraine
In the past week, we have seen a dramatic increase in violence in Ukraine. These events may be deeply upsetting for many students, families, and staff members, particularly those who may have loved ones affected.
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Supporting Mental Health and Well-being
The surge in Omicron and the return to remote learning has left many families and students feeling a range of emotions. Follow the link below for tools and resources to help your family understand and cope with feelings of stress and worry.
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