Question 5 – Zone 6 Responses
Contents
The Question in brief
Responses from:
– Tanya Melissa Dasilva
– Chris Ellis
The Question in Brief
What do you believe an OCDSB trustee’s role is re: promoting well-being in Ottawa public schools? (See full text of Question 5.)
Tanya Melissa Dasilva
What do you believe an OCDSB trustee’s role is re: promoting well-being in Ottawa public schools?
It would be great if the trustee knows of resources or organizations that can help parents or students, particularly if they need help. He/she may also share such information with the schools inside their catchment area, with the Board and even on a website / social media. Perhaps the trustee may liaise with community groups who stay abreast of these issues such as local community health centres, Ottawa public health and even the local universities / colleges.
Promoting well-being needs a holistic community approach, so it would be desirable to forge dynamic linkages with several strategic partners.
Provide 1-2 examples of initiatives the OCDSB has recently undertaken to prevent mental illness and promote mental health and well-being that you support.
- Sources of Strength
- Kids Have Stress Too
Provide 1-2 examples of initiatives the OCDSB has recently undertaken to prevent physical illness and promote physical health and well-being that you support.
- Healthy Eating (fresh and wholesome food)
- Daily Physical Activity (DPA) promotion
Do you think the OCDSB’s response to psychological distress experienced by youth is proportionate to the scale of the crisis?
No, but maybe additional resources, support or funding is needed.
Are there any initiatives or programs you would support that might promote mental well-being (cf. preventing mental illness)?
In my opinion, this is a joint-effort requiring co-operation amongst various community partners. Since I am in zone 6, I will give examples from my area. I would like to see more in-house workshops or events held in the schools. These can be delivered in collaboration with organizations such as the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, or a local Community Health Centre. These are only suggestions, but I would also advocate for an intersectional approach to mental health promotion.
On a practical note, the Zones of Regulation by Leah Kuypers would be excellent to implement in the elementary level. In addition, I welcome increased physical activities and breaks, including outdoor education.
Chris Ellis
Trustees at the policy level give direction as to level and broad scope for support for student well being. As trustees discuss the next year’s budget they would have some opportunity to allocate resources targeted at mental health and student well being. This can be done by increasing certain staff positions or setting sums to be put toward initiatives such as professional development. It is also important that trustees consider the mental health and well being of staff as well as students. As a trustee I will keep student well being top of mind as I seek the right trade offs for the best use of funds.
Trustees as a connector to community can also help partnerships. Students need support when not at school and partnerships are key. Mental health issues do not stop when students leave the school building. I’m working with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Councillor, Public Health and Boys and Girls Club to name a few on a ward 13 Youth Strategy which has a mental health component. Local school staff have participated from time to time and I hope to continue and strengthen the relationship to the mutual benefit of supporting students and families.
Many of the OCDSB schools have partnered with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO) to deliver programs and /or clubs for young women and men. This is an opportunity for frank discussions with peers and young BGCO staff. I know of many young people who have received support from the these programs.
The OCDSB has a specific staff position of Student Support/Re-Engagement Coordinator for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) students. This position is staffed by an Indigenous employee and has been essential in supporting FNMI students.
The OCDSB HR department as undertaken an initiative to better support employees that are experiencing health issues including mental health. This initiative was developed with consultation with the employee federations. The reports so far are encouraging but need to continue to monitor and work with the employee groups to further improve it.
The stress on young people, especially those experiencing challenges in non school situations caused by low income, gender identity questions, peer pressure, race and ethnicity barriers seems to be manifesting itself in more mental health concerns. It will take all of society to address this issue but our schools are and must be an important player. The OCDSB can always do better and must but the response is limited by too few resources. A short term response is more partnerships but ultimately more resources will be needed. Our partners like the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa have limits on their resources as well.
The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health need to complete the initiative that is looking how to co-ordinate mental health issues so there is seamless support for young people at school and in their community.