The 2018-2019 school year marked the final year of the three year, 2016-2019 KPDSBs Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Plan. As a result, the 2019-2020 year allows for a year of reflection and review of the work being done across the board related to Mental Health and Well-Being. While reflecting on the many successes and challenges over the past three years, this year also allows for time to gather information related to driving the work forward. An action plan has been created for this school year which includes collecting information from board survey’s, informant interviews and board scans. The information will be reviewed and analyzed and with the help of the Collective Awareness, Advocacy and Learning of Mental Health and Well-Being (CAALM) committee members and the Mental Health Champions a new three-year strategic plan for the 2020-2022 will be created and presented to the Trustees.
Mental Health Champion Model
The Mental Health Champion model continues to be implemented across the KPDSB with Champions identified at every school, as well as within every department. In an effort to building capacity directly in the schools, the Champions receive information on mental health and trauma informed practice on a regular basis. The Champions then share this information with their co-workers during staff meetings. Professional development opportunities have also been provided to the Champions with access to Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and Mental Health First Aid Training.
Staff Mental Health and Well-being
The KPDSB launched a new Employee and Family Assistance Program in April 2019. Morneau Shepell is now available to all permanent staff as well as their families. The services provided are offered in a number of modalities including online, through email, text and phone.
The new three-year Mental Health and Addictions Strategic plan will also include an addendum with a condensed strategic plan for supporting staff mental health.
Student and Parent Engagement
Beaver Brae Secondary School, Red Lake District High School, Dryden High School, Sioux North High School and Ignace High School Jack Chapters are continuing with students creating and organizing events to promote an awareness of mental health. The students have had a great start to the year with cookie drives and smashing pumpkins events.
In addition, Red Lake District High school student, Ramona Quill is an acting student rep on for the Schools Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) Student Reference Group. Ramona along with other students across the province, have been supporting the creation of student specific resources related to mental health. In addition, the group also provides direct feedback to SMHO to ensure student voice is heard. Wellness rooms for students at our high schools have been developed with contributions and donations from multiple community agencies. For more information on mental health and well-being please check out the Mental Health Tabs found on our KPDSB website.
