RECHARGE

Recharge in a way that makes you feel good. Whether it be an hour of yoga, going to bed early, or spending some time with friends and family. It’s important to take a break and recharge.

Learn how a student-led wellness group from Simcoe Composite School has influenced a school and the entire Grand Erie District School Board to be well and recharge.

• Read more, Be Well, and Recharge!
• Watch how SCS explained the #GEBeWell campaign

Wellness is Contagious at SCS

Students at Simcoe Composite School have each other’s backs when it comes to supporting each other’s mental health and well-being.

A group of students representing grades 9 to 12 have created the Wellness Team whose focus is to provide opportunities for students to be well.

Their objective is to embed wellness into their school culture and refocus the conversation about mental health from mental illness to mental wellness. At the heart of this program, however, is an effort to support students who are dealing with difficult mental health concerns.

In their attempt to create a culture of wellness, the team designated a space in Simcoe Composite School called The Wellness Room. Students can go to this room to receive peer counselling, peer tutoring, and engage in art therapy, music and even aromatherapy.

The Wellness Team is supported by two staff advisors, Jason Dale, a Guidance Counsellor and

Amanda Van Schyndel, the School Librarian and Head of Family Studies.

“It’s a place where students can go if they are looking for a safe space if they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed,” said Dale. “It’s where they can talk to someone about their concerns.”

According to Heather Carter, School Mental Health Lead for the Grand Erie District School Board, the Wellness Team offers a place for students to recharge and sets a great example for students engaging in similar wellness initiatives.

“It’s amazing to see these students take such initiative to make their school a better place,” she said.

Students on the Wellness Team were part of the development of a student-focused wellness campaign that is being implemented across the Grand Erie District School Board.

• Click here to access Grand Erie Be Well information

“With their help and feedback, we were able to listen to students, create a campaign that meets their needs and speak to them in the way they want to be heard,” said Carter.

The Wellness Team meets every Tuesday at lunch in the Wellness Room.

Van Schyndel couldn’t hide her enthusiasm when sharing her experience with these students.

“We’re so proud of them for their contribution to making this school a better place,” she said. “They have created an environment where promoting positive mental health and wellness is encouraged and all students in the school can benefit.”