Dear TLDSB parents/guardians,
This week, from May 5 to 9, Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is celebrating two very important weeks that occur at the same time in Ontario – Education Week and Mental Health Week.
It is not surprising that the recognition of education and mental health coincide as they are incredibly interconnected and vital for creating and maintaining strong, resilient communities.
Mental Health Week: “Unmasking Mental Health”
This year’s Mental Health Week theme, as designated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, is “Unmasking Mental Health.” Individuals navigating mental health challenges often feel pressure to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination. This theme aims at bringing awareness to the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
At TLDSB, we recognize the truth that one in five people have mental illness, but five in five people have mental health. The dedicated Mental Health Team in TLDSB services every school to bring awareness to each individuals’ mental health, well-being strategies, and breaking down the stigma and promoting understanding.
We also acknowledge the role parents/guardians play in a child’s mental health journey. This year, we’ve seen more connections being made between educators and parents/guardians engaging in meaningful conversations about their child(ren)’s education. Additionally, TLDSB has offered valuable learning opportunities to our parents/guardians; three webinars on emotional development, cell phones and vaping use, and school avoidance, as well as two evening in-person events with renowned clinical therapist, Jennifer Kolari. We hope you have found these sessions beneficial and encourage you to participate in future offerings.
To explore more about how TLDSB supports mental health in our schools, visit the Mental Health and Well-Being page.
Education Week
Education Week in Canada is an annual event that celebrates and acknowledges the importance of education and the role it has in shaping the future of our students, communities, and society.
At TLDSB, we take immense pride in the milestones our students achieve every day – whether it’s the first day of Junior Kindergarten, the celebration of Grade 8 and high school graduations, or the countless opportunities for growth, learning, and resilience in between. Read about a variety of stories on our website’s news page, celebrating students and staff.
On behalf of our trustees and senior team, I extend heartfelt appreciation to our educators, parents/guardians, community organizations, and support staff for their ongoing commitment to the well-being and academic achievement of every TLDSB student. This shared effort strengthens our schools and enriches the learning experience for all students.
Sincerely,
Wes Hahn, Director of Education
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association
School Mental Health Ontario – By your side hub for parents/caregivers
