HDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2024: Mental Health and Well-being

The third of five videos showing how the HDSB is fulfilling the obligations of the areas of focus within the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. In this video, we highlight Mental Health and Well-being.

Transcript:

In the Halton District School Board’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan, the Mental Health and Well-Being area focuses on strengthening safe and caring environments that promote the well-being of all members in our community as we learn, grow, and inspire together.


All HDSB staff provide an essential role in promoting student mental health and well-being. Student Well-Being, in particular, is interconnected with all areas of the Multi-Year Plan.


We know that in order for students to be well and achieve academic success, classrooms and school communities must be inclusive and affirming of diverse identities and abilities, and free from harassment, racism and discrimination.


Our work is grounded in equity and inclusion, anti-racism and human rights.



HDSB educators are committed to understanding and actively supporting an approach that includes cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual and physical development, as well as academic development for each student.


Daily classroom activities and social emotional learning equips students with well-being information and skills to support them.


Students learn about the importance of social support and learn to identify people in their life who can help them.


They learn about stress and coping skills appropriate to their developmental age. In our classrooms, each student’s identity and life experiences are affirmed and valued.


We strive to support student’s well-being through supportive learning environments.


At the core of a supportive classroom is a caring and engaging educator who establishes authentic, trusting relationships with each student.


Educators focus on students’ strengths, which forms the basis of a circle of support that begins with the teacher and parent or caregiver. When a student’s needs require additional support, the circle of support is expanded.


Recognizing the value of youth engagement, we encourage youth involvement and leadership in setting school well-being goals and activities.


Schools contribute to reducing stigma, promoting positive mental health, building social-emotional learning skills, preventing the development of mental health problems, identifying students in need, and establishing a circle of support.


In addition to classroom instruction and activities, we have a mental health awareness campaign that includes the distribution of school posters, social media messaging and a dedicated Mental Health and Well-Being webpage on the HDSB website. These resources share information, resources and strategies to maintain and improve mental health and well-being, and where to access help.


The HDSB hosts Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians throughout the year on specific topics based on feedback from parents.


Led by a mental health expert in that area, these sessions discuss child and youth mental health and well-being, ways in which parents/guardians can support their children, and resources available.


Students will experience variations in their mental health and feelings of well-being.


Learning about the continuum of mental health helps reduce stigma by recognizing that everyone experiences fluctuations. When students are struggling with their mental health, educators reach out to these students to offer help and connect them with appropriate support and services within the Board and the broader community.


When a student is struggling, their Circle of Support is expanded.


We provide individual and group counselling and assessment services for students, and our staff work together with the student, their parents, and caregivers and community providers, when there is consent, to problem-solve and develop a plan of action.


As a Board, we all have a tremendous impact on student mental health and well-being. The HDSB understands this and is committed to continuously strive to strengthen safe and caring environments that promote mental health and well-being for all students.