OTTAWA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Notre Dame receives accepting schools award

Congratulations to Notre Dame High School for being one of the recipients of the 2014-15 Premier's Award for Accepting Schools! The award recognizes school teams that have done exceptional and innovative work in promoting a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment. A number of programs have helped Notre Dame accomplish this goal. The Helping Hand Team developed educational awareness programs that taught students about mental health and well-being. They also organized a number of student-led activities to help students manage anxiety such as relaxation classes, administering student stress quizzes and providing a program on mental health conditions. The Healthy Transitions Program, facilitated by local public health staff, helped ease the transition into high school for Grade 7 and 8 students. An annual multicultural event included an evening of traditional ethnic cuisines, a talent show and a parent panel discussion on challenges faced by newcomers and how to improve their school experience. Congratulations to Notre Dame on this prestigious and well-deserved award!