Mental Health

The link between wellbeing and achievement is undeniable. That is why our work in mental health is so critical. I’m Candice Kerkermeier, the Mental Health Lead for the KPDSB.

During the 2024-2025 school year, the board has continued to place mental health and wellbeing at the forefront. We know that a student’s wellbeing is fundamental to their learning and success. That’s why we are actively building a culture of support across all of our schools.

We are equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills they need to support their wellbeing, with a specific target to increase the percentage of students in grades 3 to 12 who know how to access mental health services. A major part of this work is the rollout of the mandatory mental health modules embedded within the curriculum. For our grade 7 and 8 students, these modules are integrated into health and physical education, teaching them how to manage stress, recognize signs of mental health problems, and know how to seek help for themselves or a friend.

The focus continues in high school with the mandatory grade 10 mental health literacy modules attached to the GL20 Careers course. This helps to ensure students understand the critical link between their mental wellness and future career success. Students learn practical strategies for resilience, identifying signs of distress and connecting with school and community mental health resources as they plan their lives beyond high school.

Beyond these curriculum changes, KPDSB has an annual mental health action plan that supports action items for students, staff, interest holders, and our mental health team.

Our goal remains consistent in fostering mentally healthy, inclusive, and identity-affirming schools and classrooms for all students. Because when our students thrive mentally, they thrive academically.

Hello, everyone. My name is Julie Marmus, and I am a Student Counsellor for KP. I truly appreciate this opportunity to share the deep connection and impact I feel I make every day in our schools.

My role, to me, is about being that consistent, comforting presence in a child’s life. My day always begins by welcoming every student, making sure they feel seen, known, and safe. Building those positive connections is the foundation that makes all the other support possible.

It is a true privilege to help students understand their own hearts. I have the chance to visit classrooms and share moments of calm, introducing mindfulness activities that become part of their personal toolkit for coping. We use simple, empowering tools like the Circle of Control to help them find peace and manage big emotions.

I feel the impact most when I see a student find their courage–when they learn that their feelings are valid and that there is always a kind adult ready to listen and help.

Being a Student Counsellor means ensuring that every student feels completely surrounded by the wrap-around support they need. We bridge the gaps, we collaborate, and we advocate.

Ultimately, I am here because I believe in the potential of every child. We are building their resilience and setting a strong foundation for their success in school and in life. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Natalie Kasprick. I am a student counsellor at Beaver Brae. Last year, I received many attendance referrals, which prompted me to re-examine my role. I started blending mental health intervention with attendance support.

We all agree that student success starts with showing up, but for many students, getting to school every day is a struggle. Not because they do not care about their education, but because they are facing complex barriers, such as anxiety, bullying, housing insecurity, or a lack of connection with the school community. This is where I can step in as an attendance counsellor. My focus is never punitive; it’s about prevention and support. Attendance counsellors act as a critical bridge. We dig beneath the surface of chronic absenteeism to find the root cause, whether it’s mental health struggles, a lack of transportation, or a crisis at home. By providing counselling, connecting students with community resources, and working with school teams on individualized action plans, we help stabilize a student’s life. The goal is to, over time, achieve consistent attendance, academic success, and a feeling of belonging.

I will always be grateful for my role as a KPDSB student counsellor. Every June, I get to watch students I have connected with graduate. It’s a privilege to know that I may have had a small impact on their journey.