Windows to Wellness
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Over the past few months, students of the YRDSB have been busy learning, engaged in activities, relationship-building and forming new connections and now it is time for a break. December is a month of many things - beginnings - like a new season and endings - for some, the end of another calendar year.
For some of our students, winter break brings unstructured time, which can lead us to spending increased time on our screens. While digital activities may be a part of everyday life, finding a balance can support mental health. Finding moments away from screens helps everyone recharge. Finding a balance between offline and online activities can also encourage youth to prioritize sleep, exercise, and balanced meals over the winter break. We want to encourage you to remember that our physical health and mental health are connected to one another. One way schools are prioritizing both the physical and mental health of students is through Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 128.
As previously shared in our November Newsletter, the YRDSB has implemented a policy in response to the Ministry of Education directive issued in June 2024, aiming to create a positive school environment that supports student well-being, learning and achievement. In addition to guidelines on personal mobile device use, the policy also includes procedures regarding vaping. PPM 128 mandates that vaping and the use of vaping products are prohibited on school property at all times, aligning with efforts to promote a safe and healthy environment for all students. To learn more, visit YRDSB Vaping and E-cigarettes
During the December break, we encourage you to continue to do the things that support your mental health and well-being including resting, spending time with loved ones, expressing gratitude for the things for which you are thankful and any other wellness activity that brings you peace, calm and joy. You may consider trying a new winter activity or engaging in an old favourite - or two! We’d like to remind our families and caregivers of the activities and resources in our community that exist to support the mental health well-being of children and families in York Region.
Keeping Busy Over the Winter Break
We recognize a change in routine can be challenging, and it can feel overwhelming to have a large break from school. It can also be a time for activities and engagement. Here are some free activities you can do with your child(ren) during the Winter Break if you are looking for ways to stay engaged:
- Frozen Fridays: Fridays, November 29, December 6,13, and 20 2024, from 6 to 8:30 p.m at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive). Live DJ music, outdoor skating, train rides, free hot chocolate prepared by Hungry Brew Hops(while supplies last), fire & LED busker performances, LED Mega Tree shows, photo opportunities and more.
- Richmond Hills Skating Trail: The trail is open daily from 10am to 10pm, is lighted for evening skating, and has heated washrooms and change rooms. For other outdoor skating rinks in York Region, scroll down to find the York Region category, then find the location closest to you.
- Skating in Markham: Markham Civic Center Outdoor Ice Rink and many other community center ice rinks in Markham.
- Experience Vaughan- Experience Vaughan provides free family passes to local cultural, educational and recreational facilities in and around Vaughan. Passes are available at Maple Library, Dufferin Clark Library, and Woodbridge Library.
- Family Sundays | McMichael Canadian Art Collection - Every third Sunday of the month is Family Sunday at the McMichael!
- Enjoy nature in Markham with Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy
- Tobogganing: Get out and enjoy the snow with some tubing or tobogganing. Click on the title to view some hills that are great for tobogganing.
- Sibbald Point is a great place to go in the winter to enjoy hiking and more!
Activities from Home
- Winter Crafts for Kids to Make - Fun Art and Craft Ideas for All Ages
- Homemade Microwave Puffy Paint
- Easy and Fun Mental Health Activities for Home
- Virtual Museum Tour
- Read Aloud Books
Supportive Resources
Mental Health Resources in York Region
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) (905-781-6222)
NACCA is committed to the collective work of engaging the African Canadian communities and its allies through program delivery, education and partnerships, to cultivate an empowered and united Black community in Newmarket.
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 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Family Services York Region (905-895-2371)
Virtual walk in is offered on a first come, first serve basis. It can be accessed once per month. Virtual appointments can be 15 minutes to 1.5 hours long depending on needs. Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CMHA BounceBack Ontario
Do you feel that maybe you could benefit from some support? BounceBack® provides resources to support learning new skills, including a trained coach who can provide up to six telephone sessions. BounceBack Coaching is available through the provincial Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program. Offered to youth aged 15-17 and adults 18+.
YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page
Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information as well as the X account @YRDSB
Follow YRDSB Mental Health on Twitter @MH_YRDSB
Community Mental Health Events
Students
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
- T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series: The YSSI T.E.A.C.H. (Training, Empowerment, Advocacy, Counselling, Help) is an africentric program that offers education on mental health and well-being practices for Black children/youth. The eight-week workshop series is on mental health for Black children/youth in grades 6-8.
- Registration: T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series
Doane House Hospice
- Supporting Children Experiencing Grief During The Holidays : Holiday Care Kit Workshop - Participants will have the opportunity to learn different Coping Strategies and gain resources to create a kit that will help them with their grief.
- Monday Dec 23, 2024 9:30- 11:30
- To register, email cpfenning@myhospice.ca or call (905) 967 - 1500 ext. 136
York Services Support Network
Kerry's Place Autism Services
Caregivers
Yorkhills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- York Hills offers various workshops. Please click the above link to scroll through offerings.
Family Services York Region
- Free To Be
- Third Wednesday of Each Month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- This is a free virtual group for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children, regardless of age which meets once a month. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity.
Kinark Autism Services
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
This edition of the newsletter was written by the Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Implementation Team 2024-2025, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Ruth Damdar, Peter Reid and Kymani Spence.
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc.
Mental Health Lead
Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
Kate Phillips M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
