Building Connections at Merivale High School's Community Resource Fair
Merivale High School hosted its first-ever Community Resource Fair on May 7th, as part of Mental Health Week. This engaging event brought together a diverse array of community organizations and more than 500 students from Grades 9 to 12. Organized by dedicated staff and students in the Merivale Minds Matter club, the fair connected young people with essential support services right in their local community.
The school cafeteria was transformed into a vibrant hub of information and interaction, with booths featuring representatives from local organizations and OCDSB supports and services. Students had the opportunity to directly engage with these community partners, learning about resources related to mental health support, academic enrichment, career exploration and overall well-being.
To encourage active participation, students were provided with a "Community Booth Passport." As they visited each booth, they collected interesting facts, resources and a stamp on their passport. Passports with six or more stamps were entered into a raffle, with prizes generously donated by community sponsors including Metro and Montana’s.
“The energy was electric – our hallways were buzzing with excitement, curiosity, and deep, meaningful conversations,” shared teacher and Minds Matter facilitator Pat Nikolovski. “Students were all smiles and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the wide range of mental health supports available right here in our Ottawa community.”
The fair capped off a year of successful, engaging events organized by the Minds Matter team. They hosted monthly events such as Mythbusters: Mental Health Edition, where students explored myths and facts to challenge stigma head-on. They also introduced Tune-In Tuesday, reminding students to prioritize self-care by sharing one thing they planned to do for their mental well-being that day. Another popular event was Who Lifts You Up? – a gratitude wall celebrating the people in students’ lives who provide support and uplift them.
The Community Resource Fair offered students a crucial reminder that there are many ways to find help when they need it. It strengthened their support system, fostering a deeper sense of connection and empowerment within their community.
