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Celebrating Education Week and Mental Health Awareness Week

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Celebrating Education Week and Mental Health Awareness Week

Manny FigueiredoEven in challenging times, we are fortunate to work in education. Schools play a key role in the learning and well-being required by our students, families and democratic society.

The fact that the week of May 3 is Education Week and Mental Health Awareness Week reinforces our belief in the connection between student achievement and positive culture and well-being.

The pandemic has changed many things at HWDSB but our focus remains supporting students in their education toward graduation. Sometimes, this means more than traditional instruction. The pandemic has increased the need for mental health supports.

As we informed families in our recent COVID-19 Update, staff in our social work and psychological services departments offer a variety of supports for children and youth as well as their parents, guardians and caregivers.

Our individual supports include help in areas such as anxiety, low mood, school avoidance, stress, systemic oppression and discrimination, as well as crisis. Groups support children, youth and families of young people when depression, anxiety or gender identity interfere with learning. Workshops address mental well-being, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, low mood and more.

By considering education and mental well-being in tandem, we understand our role in supporting students in ways that help them think, feel and act in ways that enhance their ability to enjoy life.

This week, let’s celebrate the joy that education can bring. Let’s share positive news on social media and in conversations. Stay optimistic, because we have great stories to tell across HWDSB.

This is not an easy time for any of us. Thank you for joining us to support students in their learning and their well-being. Let’s do our best to deliver on Ontario’s theme for Education Week in 2021: #StrongerTogether

Sincerely,

Manny Figueiredo
Director of Education

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Updated on Monday, May 03, 2021.
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