The following is from Mandy Savery-Whiteway, Director of Education.
The week of May 5 -9, 2014 is a time to recognize three important events related to students, employees and education.
At Hastings and Prince Edward District School board, we are focused on the AiM System Plan goals of Success for Each Student, Employee Excellence and Community Connections.
EDUCATION WEEK
Education Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May by school boards and school communities throughout Ontario. It is a time for students, employees, parents/guardians and volunteers to celebrate student achievement and well-being. The provincial theme is Achieving Excellence in Education.
- This week, school communities will celebrate through literacy, song, dance, theatre and physical activity. For example, today a number of our schools are participating in Music Monday. On Monday, May 5th Music Monday celebrates its 10th anniversary with a live webcast linking simultaneous events across the country and ending with synchronized nationwide performances of I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing) with former Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield, led by Maestro Bramwell Tovey of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. (Source: the Music Monday organization, http://www.musicmonday.ca/) In addition, each school has activities planned to celebrate Education Week.
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
The first full week of May is recognized as Children's Mental Health Week. It is a time to increase awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems, decrease the stigma, and understand that help is available-and it works.
- One of our priorities in the AiM System Plan involves communicating and promoting mental health and well-being initiatives for students. We know that providing safe, welcoming, caring and inclusive learning environments support student achievement and well-being. Some of our actions in these areas have been to provide professional learning to employees, to develop pathways to care for students requiring higher levels of support, and to weave mental health wellness and well-being into our everyday work.
CHILD AND YOUTH COUNSELLOR APPRECIATION WEEK
This week is also recognized as Child and Youth Counsellor Appreciation Week around the world. It is a time to recognize employees who provide therapeutic interventions for students to promote self-esteem, opportunities to heal and experience positive relationships.
- In Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, child and youth counsellors engage with students each day by providing caring and respectful counselling services. Their role in schools includes individual student support, running group and classroom programs, and supporting district-wide initiatives such as restorative practices, and bullying prevention programs. Their work supporting our students through an approach to handling difficult situations is appreciated by all. Their efforts support our AiM System Plan priorities to reach high levels of student achievement; promote safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive schools; and to communicate and promote mental health and well-being initiatives for students.
Please join me in recognizing the value of these three important events.
For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1.800.267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]