boys pet a dog during mental health week

Mental Health Week

Mental Health and Wellness Week, from January 27-31, was full of speakers and activities in the Junior and Senior Schools. Every morning started off with something to eat – either oatmeal, hot chocolate or parfait – to ensure the boys were ready for a productive day of learning. 
Guest speakers, including alumnus Jamie Cardy ’12, well-being coach and consultant Dave Mochel, Senior School art teacher Leanne Mladen, and technology addition expert Lisa Pont shared their insights and experiences. The Grade 11s also participated in a “BroadStreet Talk”, in partnership with Sanctuary, where they shared dinner and conversation with a group made up of street-involved people, philanthropists, RSGC staff, parents and board members. They discussed the courage it takes to have empathy, share and be vulnerable. 

Other activities included animal therapy, workshops, and a Just Say Know expo that included stations on substance use, mood disorders, gaming, sleep and more. 

Grade 11 student Ethan Leckie thought the whole week was great, but two events stood out for him. 
“Dave Mochel’s talk about mental health and the BroadStreet talk were very eye opening,” he said. “The Sanctuary event showed what street-involved people have been through and it gave all of the Grade 11s a different perspective than what the media portrays.”
 
Junior School social worker Danielle Rovinski, who, along with Senior School social worker Andrea Kaye was instrumental in planning the week, knows how important weeks like this are. 

“Mental health week gives our students and staff an opportunity to take a pause and feel challenged and heard,” she said. “To learn from experts and be engaged in challenging discussions about issues that many individuals in our community are affected by; to obtain resources and guidance on what they can do to help themselves and get the appropriate supports in place.” 
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