At the OCDSB, we understand that mental health and well-being are important for student learning, success and social-emotional development. We are committed to promoting student mental health by creating safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where every student is valued, celebrated, and affirmed and where they experience a sense of belonging in their school and classroom communities. Through trusting relationships, we can cultivate student engagement and empowerment in their learning and well-being.
Mental Health Support for Students
There are a number of resources at school for students who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Students can talk to:
- classroom teacher
- early childhood educator
- educational assistant
- learning support teacher/learning resource teacher
- guidance counsellor
- student success teacher
- vice-principal and principal.
There are additional central supports including:
- specialized teams (e.g., Mental Health, Autism, Early Learning)
- equity coaches
- student support coordinators
- Indigenous Education team members
- psychology staff
- social workers
- speech and language pathologists.
- occupational therapists
- behavior analysts
- instructional coaches.
These school and central staff can support students and families by connecting them to resources and community mental health services that are culturally relevant and responsive.
Mental Health Strategy
The OCDSB has developed a three year Mental Health Strategy and Annual Action Plan to guide our work in mental health. The OCDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy (2023-2027) builds on the previous strategy and aligns with the OCDSB 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. It was informed by provincial and local data as well as feedback from OCDSB staff, students and parents/caregivers. The Mental Health Strategy focuses on building and sustaining mentally healthy schools through capacity building for staff, meaningful youth and parent/caregiver engagement, and collaboration with community partners following an evidence-based, tiered approach to intervention to support students.