Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Every year, the first week of May is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Canada. Stronger connections. Better mental health,” reflects an ongoing commitment to increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting awareness about topics related to mental health.
One of the ways the YRDSB is acknowledging this important week is by offering resources for parents/caregivers.
The YRDSB Children’s Mental Health Week webpage includes themed mental health resources that parents/caregivers may utilize with their children, conversation starters on important mental health related topics, as well as links to recorded YRDSB Learning about Mental Health Presentations (LAMPS) on a variety of topics like anxiety, emotional regulation, technology and more!
We are pleased to offer a free virtual presentation for parents/caregivers entitled Social Media and Mental Health as a part of our Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS) on May 6th from 6:30-7:30 PM. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please register using the google form.
We hope that you and your children will be able to utilize some of the resources and knowledge offered in the toolkits throughout Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. For more information on children’s mental health trends in Ontario, visit School Mental Health Ontario, and review the Hear Now Ontario Survey Summary, that focuses on student experiences and ideas on how to build and sustain mental health promotion and knowledge.
Examination and Culminating Activity Days
Thousands of students across our District will be completing exams or culminating activities in June. For parents and caregivers of students for whom this applies, this can be a stressful and overwhelming time. School Mental Health Ontario has prepared a resource for parents and caregivers on helping your child understand and manage stress. School Mental Health Ontario has also provided tips specifically for students on how to manage exam and test stress.
End of Another School Year
As we wrap up the 2025-2026 school year, we celebrate the deep bonds, collective milestones, and personal progress shared by our students, staff, and families.
Supportive Resources
For more community resources, check out: YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page.
Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information.
Follow YRDSB Mental Health on Instagram @mh_yrdsb.
Community Mental Health Events
Students
Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) - Maple Location
- Across Ontario, there are 27 YWHO Networks that provide high-quality integrated youth services to support the well-being of young people aged 12 to 25, including mental health and substance use supports, primary health care, community and social supports, and more.
Caregivers
School Mental Health Ontario - By Your Side Webinar Series
- Offering a free webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours
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
York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- Please visit York Hills Event Page, to find information on upcoming workshops available to the community both in-person and online.
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 2025-2026, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Peter Reid and Melissa Koifman.
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc.
Mental Health Lead
Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
Cassandra Fezzuoglio M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
