Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

We celebrate Education Week, Children’s Mental Health Week, Child & Youth Counsellor Week

The week of May 6 - 10, 2013 is a time to recognize three important events related to students, employees and education.

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. The provincial theme is Moving from Great to Excellent in Education.

This week, school communities will celebrate through song, dance, theatre, literacy and physical activity. For example, today a number of our schools are participating in Music Monday. This year's Music Monday will truly reach new heights. The official Music Monday song has been written by astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield and singer/songwriter Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies. 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.

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is one of 30 school boards in Ontario selected to develop a strategy to increase mental health literacy and supports for students. As a further commitment, our school board has identified a specific priority about advancing mental health initiatives for students.

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.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]