SUPERIOR-GREENSTONE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
School Board Prioritizes Student Mental Health and Well-Being

The Superior-Greenstone District School Board has made it clear that student mental health and well-being are top priorities. They are dedicated to offering a variety of services to support students' mental health needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care.

The school board continues to expand its Mental Health portfolio, recognizing the importance of intentional practices based on comprehensive data. This approach aims to enhance both student and staff well-being and achievement within the organization.

In November 2023, the school board using the OurSchool Survey platform, conducted a survey of students elementary and secondary students. The OurSchool survey is a comprehensive tool that gauges various aspects of students' mental health and well-being, providing valuable insights to address their needs. To support this work, the school board hired Mental Health Data Coordinator, Amy Fullerton, whose key responsibilities include meticulously reviewing survey results, supporting the implementation of initiatives, and engaging with the school community.

Mental Health Manager Deana Renaud explained that the "data analysis, will be instrumental in interpreting survey results and working towards implementing targeted initiatives to further improve the work already undertaken by the school board. The Mental Health team continues the intentional work of developing the tiered approach of service provision. We are working diligently to understand the needs of students, families, and communities in order to respond with great intention and care so that we can positively impact well-being and achievement. We will continue to collect data through multiple sources and focus on our essential relationships with community partners to guide our work in a holistic, responsive way. We strive to increase access to services for students and build understanding about the impact of positive mental health on student success and achievement."

The School Board believes in providing different levels of support to meet students' varying needs. As such, the Mental Health Manager leads a team of dedicated professionals that include multiple Mental Health Workers, Attendance Counselors, Child and Youth Workers, an Indigenous Mental Health Worker, and a Mental Health Data Coordinator.

In response to the growing importance of mental health and well-being in educational settings, Superior- Greenstone District School Board is proud to announce the development of a comprehensive 3-year Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy. This innovative initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering a supportive environment for students across the school board.

The strategy, set to launch this spring, has been carefully crafted through the analysis of data gathered from the 'OurSchool' student survey, which actively engages students in providing valuable insights into their mental health needs and challenges. By harnessing the power of this data, the school board is shaping a strategy that is rooted in the real experiences and concerns of its student body.

The overarching goal of the Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy is to create a school environment that promotes not only academic success but also the holistic health and happiness of every student. Through targeted interventions, support services, and proactive initiatives, the strategy aims to address the diverse needs of students and cultivate a culture of well-being throughout the district.

"We recognize that mental health is a critical component of student success and overall well-being," said Nicole Morden Cormier, Director of Education at Superior-Greenstone District School Board. "By developing this comprehensive strategy informed by our students' voices, we are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive."

Superior-Greenstone District School Board remains dedicated to prioritizing the mental health and well- being of its students, faculty, and staff. The development and implementation of this strategy underscore the board's unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all.