Supporting Student Well-Being for Success in Learning and Life

At the Northeastern Catholic District School Board, we believe that student success is deeply connected to student well-being. Supporting mental health and wellness is not only a shared responsibility – it is a fundamental part of our commitment to helping every student thrive spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially. Together, by prioritizing wellness and creating a culture of compassion and belonging, we are building stronger foundations for learning and life.

Mental Health at School

We provide a wide range of mental health supports and services for students. These include:

• Creating welcoming environments and positive staff-student interactions.
• Supporting student-led wellness initiatives and clubs.
• Implementing programs to build social-emotional skills.
• Incorporating mental health lessons into the Ontario curriculum.
• Offering mental health services and interventions delivered by trained staff in both small groups and one-on-one sessions.

Partnerships with parents/caregivers and other community support services (i.e. public health, child & youth mental health agencies, Indigenous services, etc.) establishes a system of care that helps us support a full range of student needs.

Our Approach

We take a strategic, system-wide approach to supporting child and youth mental health, guided by our mental health strategy and annual action plans. Our core mental health foundations include:

• Promoting Daily Wellness: We foster good mental health by teaching and providing opportunities to practice social-emotional skills, recognize personal strengths and values, and build meaningful connections among students through engagement activities.
• Professional Development: We provide staff with training to build their knowledge and confidence in promoting mental health at school.
• Evidence-Informed Decision-Making: We use evidence to select mental health programs, guest speakers, and resources for our schools.
• Clear Protocols: We have clear protocols and staff training for suicide prevention, risk management, and postvention.
• Strong Partnerships: We maintain strong partnerships with students, families, and community organizations.
• Continuous Improvement: We regularly monitor our plans and make continuous improvements year after year.

Looking for Immediate Support?

It’s normal to experience emotional ups and downs, but sometimes those feelings go deeper. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, pulling away from friends and family, stuck in worrying thoughts, or losing hope about the future, talking with someone can really help. Beyond the services available in our schools, there are trusted, safe and supportive options available:

• Kids Help Phone – Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• 988 – Call or text 988
• One Stop Talk
• Hope for Wellness Helpline

You can also talk with your health care provider or call 211 to access the services helpline to explore more options. No matter the option you choose, seeking help is always a positive step in supporting your mental health and well-being.