CDDHS students recognize mental health week

May 5, 2022 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) students celebrated Mental Health Week this past week with a variety of events focused on education, wellness, and connection.

“It’s really important that our students know that mental health is health, it’s just as important as physical health, and without that they’re not able to do as well in all other areas of their lives,” said Julie Senese, CDDHS guidance councillor. “We’re trying to really highlight the importance, let them know about resources that are available to support their mental health, and also to have some fun as well because they need balance in their lives.”

The various events scheduled for the week were planned by students from the school’s Jack Chapter, a student run advocacy group associated with Canadian mental health charity, jack.org.

“We have a really great group of kids part of Jack Chapter who have been doing initiatives throughout the year to highlight the importance of student mental health,” said Geer Harvey, social worker at CDDHS. “There’s many different ways to meet our emotional health, it’s about taking care and meeting our needs.”

To kick off the week of mental health awareness, students gathered over their lunch period on Monday (May 2) to participate in a “Jack Talk” where they learned about resources and tangible tools, they can use to better look out for themselves and their fellow peers. Other events held have included a community cares day with booths from local agencies, and two days where dogs visited the students at the school. Their last event will take place on Friday (May 6) and will see ice cream from the Canadian Creamery and local food trucks brought in for the students.

Student leaders from CDDHS’s Jack Chapter spoke with the Free Press about recognizing Mental Health Week at the local high school.

“We’re trying to promote positive mental health, and we want to remind people that they’re not alone. If they need help, they can talk about it,” said Naomi Cameron, Grade 10.

“Its destigmatizing it,” added Callista Daly, Grade 10. “The main thing about Jack Chapter is its youth supporting youth, and this week is really showing the initiatives Jack Chapter has done.”

“It shows that you don’t need to just talk to adults, but that kids your own age can really connect with you and are able to be there to help you through,” said leader Quinn Millsap, Grade 9.”

Mental Health Week is also being recognized across the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) with this year’s theme being “Moving Forward Together: learning, wellness, and connection”.