Mental Health & Wellness Spring Newsletter
Welcome to our Spring Mental Health & Wellness Newsletter
At our school district, we know that children and families thrive when mental health and well-being are supported alongside learning. This newsletter is one way we hope to stay connected with you and share meaningful opportunities that promote balance, resilience, and care across our community.
Inside, you’ll find information about local programs and supports, upcoming virtual presentations, and trusted websites and resources designed for children, youth, and caregivers. Whether you’re looking for strategies to support your child, interested in learning more about mental wellness, or simply want to know what supports are available in our area, we hope you find something helpful here.
Thank you for taking the time to read and for being an essential partner in supporting the well-being of our students and families. Together, we can continue to foster a community where everyone feels supported, informed, and connected.
Jodi Wallach – District Principal of Indigenous Education and K-12 Well-Being
PARENT AND CAREGIVER FINAL SESSION – April 28th in the RPAC Theatre at RSS
Why Kids Need Grown-ups to be in Charge, and What Almost Always Gets in the Way with Dr Vanessa Lapointe
It sort of goes without saying that grown-ups need to be in charge. And yet, being in charge can be a whole lot easier said than done. In fact, Dr. Vanessa believes that the greatest crisis facing children today is that it is the children who are in charge rather than the grown-ups. It can feel like things have been turned upside down, and you find the child telling you what to do and how to do it – being bossy, demanding, prescriptive, and generally large and in charge! There is a reason this is happening with increasing frequency for children. Contrary to popular culture, this reason is not that children need a firmer, stricter hand. The true reason for why children are adopting the large and in charge stance is much more complex. Dr. Vanessa will shine a bright light on the real essence of leadership when it comes to child raising, and how to guide children to a place of emotional rest as you – the big person – steps back in as their ultimate guide.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR Vanessa Lapointe so we can plan accordingly
FAMILY SMART (funded for parents and caregivers in the Province of BC)
Upcoming Free Online events. Click here to register for any of these virtual sessions.
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- Emotional Regulation Part 2 – Deepening Our Understanding: April 21 & 29
- Supporting Our Kids With Substance Misuse While Caring For Ourselves: Apr 16 & 23
- When Our Children Hurt Inside: Nurturing Awareness and the Power of Relationships: May 7
- ADHD – The Real Deal: May 12 & 13
- A Conversation for Families About Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health: May 19, 21, & 27
- Explosive Behaviour in Teens: Strategies to Empower Families: June 4 & 11
- Beyond Behaviours: When Is it More? What It Looks Like at Ages 9 to 12: June 9
INTERIOR HEALTH
Podcast highlight: Supporting your Kids Through Trauma
When it comes to supporting children and youth through trauma there are things that parents can do to help. This podcast touches on what trauma is, how it can show up for kids, and its impact on mental health. This episode also outlines ways parents can support their child at home. Listen to the podcast or click here to learn more about Trauma & PTSD
Starting a Conversation About Bullying: Resources for Families
Bullying can significantly impact a young person’s mental health and well-being. Families and educators can play an important role in intervening if bullying is suspected. Check out tips from Kelty Mental Health for parents and caregivers on how you can support your child if they are being bullied, or if they are bullying.
STUDENT LEARNING SURVEY – PARENT FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT!
Every year we use data from the Student Learning Survey to inform decision making. The more feedback we get, the better informed we are, so please take a moment to sign in and complete the Parent survey.
District: 19 – Revelstoke
WESITE LINKS
We have been updating the school websites with links that Parents, Caregivers, and Students can access to find information for Mental Health and Well-being when needed. This information can be found under the Parent, Caregivers, & Students tab.
FREE 8-WEEK PARENTING PROGRAM (0-8 YRS OLD) Apr 8-May 27
ESTABLISHING SAFE, CARING, & RESPECTFUL DIGITAL COMMUNITIES – MAY 13
Recommended for Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up as a way to facilitate the conversation of safe and caring use of technology at home and in the community. (60 minute session)
This session covers all things digital, from how to be a good digital citizen, the criminal consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report and receive support in cases of sexting/sextortion.
Some of the most prominent concerns currently surrounding use of social media platforms, smartphones, and artificial intelligence will be discussed.
Families will learn:
Digital media habits, oversharing, and digital addiction
The permanence of online posts/activity
The significance of your digital tattoo in how others perceive you (e.g., sports teams, college admissions, and potential employers)
The importance of caring for peers both online and offline
Geo-locational settings and the dangers of social media and cell phone misuse
The social and legal consequences of cyberbullying behaviour as well as possession and distribution of intimate images (sexting and sextortion)
An anonymous student reporting tool that can help you and your friends stay safe both online and offline
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you at the Vanessa Lapointe Parent & Caregiver session on April 28th. 🙂
