Student mental health and well-being are priorities of the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An update on ADSB Mental Health Initiatives was provided in a news release issued today from the school board.
The pandemic has left many feeling emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected and isolated. “We have moved to a completely different place than we’ve ever been before,” said superintendent Brent Vallee in the release. “The impact of the pandemic has been huge for all of our students, families and our communities in general.”
Examples of trends that ADSB counselors have been hearing from students are lack of motivation, difficulty engaging with teachers and classmates online, and a feeling of uncertainty about the future.
"The ADSB Well-Being Leadership Committee provides a voice for different stakeholder groups to offer input and feedback on support and resources available across the board," the release states. The committee hosts monthly virtual meetings to discuss student well-being.
“We want to do whatever we can to make sure that our students are ready to learn, and their well-being is certainly part of that,” Vallee said in the release.
This month, student senators from across the district will meet with ADSB board leads to discuss well-being in schools and how students can play a more active role.
In addition, in partnership with Algoma Family Services (AFS), ADSB will once again offer its Rebound Mentorship Program. The program pairs Grade 7 and 8 students with Grade 12 mentors who work under the guidance of AFS program facilitators. The goal is to assist young students in decision-making and help them develop a sense of personal responsibility, the release explains.
School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO), a provincial organization that supports the implementation of mental health support for school boards and provides accessible resources, also continues to be accessed regularly by ADSB. Students, staff and families are encouraged to visit their website for helpful links, resources and kits designed to support student mental health in general, and specifically during COVID-19.
