What’s happening in Rainbow Schools?
Students in Rainbow Schools Stand Up for Youth Mental Health
Secondary students in Rainbow Schools will come together on Thursday, February 8, 2018 to Stand Up for Youth Mental Health when they participate in a one-day conference at the Centre for Education at 408 Wembley Drive in Sudbury.
The conference, being held from 9 am to 3 pm, is the culmination of a Students as Researchers initiative implemented by the Rainbow District School Board Student Senate.
“We surveyed students and learned that 70 per cent of them feel significant stress around school,” said Student Trustee Madeleine Leach Jarrett. “Students report that they talk to either a friend or no one about this stress.”
She adds: “Mental health is a pressing issue for all youth and adolescents, and learning how to most effectively deal with stress is very important. Students who attend the conference will gain community resources and strategies to become mental health ambassadors within their own schools.”
Student Trustee Leach Jarrett says the goal of the conference is to end the stigma around mental health and continue to nurture safe and welcoming environments for all students.
Rainbow District School Board Director of Education, Norm Blaseg, commended the Student Senate on its leadership. “The conference aligns with the Board’s priorities of reaching minds and touching hearts by supporting students to reach their potential; nurturing physical, mental, social and emotional well-being; forging strong relationships and building resiliency; and valuing student voice. This is all about students helping students through conversation, connection, care and compassion.”
The conference will include presentations from Public Health Sudbury & Districts, the Greater Sudbury Police Service and the Mental Health Lead for Rainbow District School Board.
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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.