RENFREW COUNTY CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Mental wellness programs for RCCDSB students help with back-to-school stress

Virtual Back-to-School Groups

Sessions for all ages of students highlighted some of the differences they will see this fall. Conversations centred around COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, hand washing, physical distancing, and markers on the floor. Engaging games and activities helped to decrease anxiety about school.

Transition Summer Wellness Camps

Face-to-face two-day camps in Pembroke, Renfrew and Arnprior schools gave students and parents who were curious about returning a firsthand look at what school will be like this fall.

"The students were superstars at distancing and wearing masks. They were incredibly thoughtful and caring of others," said Rebecca Paulsen, RCCDSB Mental Health and Wellness Lead.

Online Stress Lessons Groups

Kids have stress too! Three sessions helped students in every age group manage stress and gain coping strategies. The material was from the psychology foundation of Canada with valuable calming strategies incorporated into engaging activities.

"We wanted to leverage the summer to provide many different activities to promote wellness in any student who wanted to join to have everyone feeling positive when heading back to school," stated Paulsen.