Getting Loud for Mental Health and Well-Being

Friday, May. 16, 2025

Wellness OutLoud students

Isla and Jenna of Mapleview Elementary School enjoyed the Wellness Out Loud activities

The third annual Wellness Out Loud event took place last week in Caledonia, bringing together more than 200 student wellness ambassadors from each Grand Erie secondary school and dozens of elementary schools in a collective effort to build strong foundations around mental health and well-being across the board. 

"We just did a sound bath and it was lit," said an enthusiastic Kenzie, who's in Grade 11 at Waterford District High School, of the sound bathing workshop. "It almost transports you, and you feel more aware of your senses." 

Sound bathing can be a holistic approach to enhancing well-being, blending physical, emotional and spiritual healing in a unique sensory experience. It was one of three interactive workshops on offer to participants, along with sessions including destressing with therapy dogs and learning more about regulating nervous-system responses. 

"We're here with five of our students who are super excited to learn about what wellness means for them, and are going to be taking all of that into consideration as we start a wellness club at North Park next year," said Lisa Bergen, teacher at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School. "The students taking part today will be committed to bringing what they've learned here to hopefully help and inspire other students." 

Wellness OutLoud at Grand Erie

Wellness Out Loud offered attendees a variety of mental health and well-being related resources and activities

At what has become a signature event, coinciding each year with Mental Health Week, the day featured an array of interactive activities and expert speakers aimed at equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of student life through prioritizing well-being. The planning committee was made up of students providing input from fellow learners and staff members from Grand Erie's School Culture and Well-Being team, educators and child-and-youth workers. The event's keynote included an insightful and practical talk lead by staff members Rachel Wesley and Ruth Greenspan, titled Stress Less. 

"This event is important because it's good to learn about mental health and know what to do if you're ever in a situation [where you could use coping strategies]," said Isla, a Grade 7 students from Mapleview Elementary School. "My favourite stations were the photo booth and the therapy dog. I just like petting dogs because it makes me feel more comfortable." 

The event included ample opportunities for learners to network as they took part in the marketplace, made up of several stations helmed by child-and-youth workers and social workers providing resources and hands-on activities. The day culminated with a student voice panel. 

"I've had a fantastic time at Wellness Out Loud, and most importantly, have been focused on creating a sense of belonging and making sure everyone feels welcome," said Aidyn Hill, student trustee representing Indigenous learners across Grand Erie. "It's been a wonderful day and I can't wait to see what else is in store."

Grand Erie's multi-year strategic plan and mental health action plan each include priorities intended to build a culture of well-being in schools, ensuring staff members have the best, most up-to-date information and resources to support students, and providing learners with ways to access mental-health resources and coping strategies most effectively.

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