Earlier this year, students, parents, caregivers, and staff at Lakeview Public School gathered for the school’s first-ever Family Wellbeing Night – an evening of togetherness, and engaging activities designed to help boost mental health wellbeing.
Attendees donned comfy PJs and immersed themselves in everything from parent-child community conversation circles to ABC yoga sessions. Classrooms were transformed into inviting spaces for parent-child breathing activities, creative play, and hands-on sensory activities. The event also included the school's Book Fair, organized by School Council volunteers, as well as a cozy reading space where young readers could dive into their new books.
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The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and camaraderie as families explored the activities, each designed to strengthen bonds and promote mental health in a nurturing environment. As the evening drew to a close, Principal Joëlle Rudick gathered participants for an engaging bedtime story in the gym.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of school staff – Ms. Mattesz, Ms. Ruby, Ms. Julie, Madame Banks, Madame Louise, Ms. E. Brown, and Madame Joëlle – along with OCDSB Learning Support Services staff and parent volunteers. Grade 5 students contributed their marketing skills by designing the poster for the event.
Here’s what attendees had to say about the experience:
 “The whole atmosphere was great. I loved the focus on well-being, the community feeling, and getting to see my child interact with her classmates!” – Parent
“Wellbeing is important so you can learn better, you can concentrate and it’s overall better for your body. For my wellbeing I do deep breaths in, deep breaths out, stretching - just trying to keep my body energized.” – Student
“We loved the focus on wellness. Such a great way to bring the school community together.” – Parent
“I liked the slime and the bedtime story at the end. Wellbeing is important because it helps you mentally move forward.” – Student
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The Family Wellbeing Night not only provided a platform for fun and relaxation, but also demonstrated Lakeview’s broader Wellbeing Plan and Bullying Prevention Strategy. By embedding lessons on mental health into everyday teaching, the school continues to build a supportive and inclusive community.
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