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York Region District School Board

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - October 2023

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Gratitude

Dear Families, 

Welcome to October: a new month and a new season. Over the past month, our students have made many adjustments to: new classes, grades, classmates, teachers and new learning.

On October 10, 2023, we recognize World Mental Health day. This year’s theme “Mental Health is a Universal Right” seeks to “improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right” (WHO, 2023).

One way we can support our mental health is through gratitude. We recognize that the various ways gratitude is expressed and practiced are informed by our respective cultures, religious traditions, ways of knowing and being.

Some examples of expressing and practicing gratitude include but are not limited to: telling someone important to you what they mean to you and how they enrich your life, engaging in acts of kindness or coming together communally to share thoughts and ideas around gratitude through conversation, food and any other agreed upon offerings. 

‘Viewing the world and relationships through the lens of gratitude can help students to notice and appreciate the positives in life, even when facing a challenge. Noticing and sharing gratitude can support healthy relationships, and the development of resilience’ (SMHO, 2023).

Students and families are invited to explore gratitude practices offered through the following School Mental Health Ontario resource.

 

Supportive Resources

Mental Health Resources in York Region


YorkHills Here to Help Line (905-503-9561) 

  • The Here to Help Line is a free service available to children/youth (0-18 years) and their parents/caregiver/adult supporters.

  • Monday to Thursday from 2:00p.m.-7:00p.m. 

Family Services York Region (905-895-2371)

  • Virtual walk in is operated on a first come, first serve basis, and can be accessed once per month.

  • Virtual appointments can be 15 minutes to 1.5 hours long depending on your specific needs.

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page 

Check out this pre-recorded family education series provided by Kinark, they have videos covering Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health: Understanding the Overlap, Disruptive Behaviours in Children: Effective Intervention Strategies for Caregivers and Parenting Your Anxious Child. 

 

Free Community Programs

For Parents

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families 

York Services Support Network

Whats next after High-school - Caregiver Webinar

  • October 5, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

  • This series of five workshops will cover topics such as employment planning, post-secondary planning, financial planning, community involvement, considerations for adult independence and Caregiver Health and Wellbeing. Attend one or all of the sessions.

Transition Planning Resource Days

  • October 11 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Need help understanding the developmental services system and transition planning? Does your child have an IEP? Book a free, 1 hour session, with a transitional planner to discuss and ask important questions.

  • Discuss the differences between elementary and high school, share tips and strategies to help you and your child prepare for life in high school, fill out forms and applications (e.g. ODSP, SSAH, Mobility Transit, etc.), find resources, build on skills, share options for after high school and adult life.

  • Registration can be done through emailing cmacdonald@yssn.ca or calling: 905-953-8354 or 1-833-953-8354 ext. 2245. 

Mindfulness-Base Stress Reduction Workshop (MBSR) 8-week series

  • October 5 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

  • You will learn tools for building resilience, increase your well being, manage stress, improve focus and numerous other benefits.

  • This series is for parents or caregivers of children diagnosed with autism ages 0-18. 

Acceptance and commitment training- Information Session

  • October 10, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Learning about bullying and cyber bullying

  • October 18, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • All workshops are for families with children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with The Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

For Students

York Support Services Network

Single Session Counseling

For Families

PFlag

  • Coffee Night, held every second Monday of the month, is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ2 community, their friends, family or allies can come together. 

  • Online Registration

 

Mental Health Team

This edition of the Newsletter was written by the Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Implementation Team 2023-2024, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Kate Phillips and Peter Reid.

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc. 

Hoshana Calliste, M.S.W., R.S.W. 

Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.

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Department
Mental Health