Junior School Mental Health Week

Social worker Danielle Rovinski, along with Dean of Middle School Activities Jennifer Bonetta, organized an amazing week for the boys that allowed them the opportunity to both learn and reflect. 

“It’s important that we run events like these in order to continue the discussion about mental health,” said Ms. Rovinski. “Everyone experiences ‘good and bad’ mental health – it’s a component of our everyday lives. I want people to realize that there’s a difference between mental health and mental illness. People view mental health as mental illness and that’s not it at all. It’s important for us to normalize the various components of one’s mental health and highlight the potential signs and concerns as it relates to mental illness. Our boys should know that feeling sad or anxious on occasion isn’t a bad thing - it’s very normal.”

Ms. Rovinski’s hope for the week was to destigmatize mental illness and to normalize mental health. 

“I don’t want it to be a thing that’s just talked about behind closed doors,” she said. “I want it to be something that’s discussed openly and proudly.”

Every day began with a seven-minute meditation in the classrooms and on Wednesday, there was a “Breakfast and Chill Morning” that included oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, yogurt and fruit. The boys participated in animal therapy, has the option to attend a lunchtime chat on anxiety management and the Grade 6 class took part in an expressive arts therapy workshop. The Grade 7 and 8 boys listened to an important talk by Social Worker Kate Best about substance abuse, and both grades sat in on a workshop about the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health.

The boys found the week very valuable. Here’s what some of them had to say: 

Aidan Arabzadeh, Grade 6: It’s important to have Mental Health Week because if someone has a mental illness, you can be aware and you can help them. It also teaches us to take care of ourselves. 

Isaac Feiner, Grade 7: It’s important because we need to raise awareness for people who have mental health problems. 

Adam New, Grade 8: You can talk about the things that trouble you in a safe environment. I thought it was a great week. 

Duncan Landry, Grade 8: Everyone should have a chance to learn about what mental health is and get a greater understanding of mental health. I enjoyed the week.