Above: Students at Major Ballachey and Central public schools have been taking part in daily activities aimed at increasing well-being.
The Work of Wellness
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
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foundation of well-being is essential for all other successes at school. That’s why learners across Grand Erie have been gaining the skillsets related to emotional well-being to help them thrive. At Central Public School and Major Ballachey Public School, staff and students have been hard at work this spring, developing skills that will help them meet challenges both in the classroom and in life.
“Students have been working on daily initiatives to support their mental wellness, growth mindset, and ability to ask for help, while also increasing resilience and the capacity for self-awareness and self care,” said Jennifer Petitclerc, school social worker, adding that the whole-school efforts include weekly themes and activities that can be practiced in class and independently. “This work has included classroom and school-wide activities associated with each week’s theme geared to students’ learning, while building belonging.”
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"As a school social worker, one of our many roles is to support with the management of stress while creating an optimistic outlook and reducing stigma. I couldn’t be more proud of what these schools have accomplished together." Jennifer Petitclerc SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER |
What’s been the result?
“I learned to keep trying to do the things I can’t do,” said Tyson.
“The breathing exercises really calm me down,” said Isabel.
“It made me feel happy to make the positive affirmation.
“The wellness challenge helped me control my anger. I have something to focus on,” said Suzanna.
The success of the work has much to do with the fact that it’s encompassed and engaged staff members as well, with educators, support staff and child and youth workers all strong members of the overall well-being support team for students. It’s in turn increased capacity for wellness leadership and supporting well-being strategies that lead to improved outcomes and positive school experiences for learners.
“Over the last two months, a concentrated effort has been built in to introduce, promote and bolster social and emotional skills at developmentally appropriate ages and stages for these students,” said Petitclerc. “As a school social worker, one of our many roles is to support with the management of stress while creating an optimistic outlook and reducing stigma. I couldn’t be more proud of what these schools have accomplished together.”
Grand Erie’s collective priorities include building a culture of well-being to support the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of each learner.