Teaching Mental Wellness with Heart – How Project 11 is Supporting KCDSB Students
The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) has introduced Project 11, a mental health initiative designed to equip students with tools to support their mental wellness. Inspired by the life and vision of former NHL player Rick Rypien, Project 11 empowers students to build resilience and manage challenges through engaging classroom activities and meaningful discussions about mental health.
A Vision for Mental Wellness
Rick Rypien, known for his tenacity and compassion, dreamed of creating accessible mental health education for young people. Wearing jersey number 11 as captain of the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League, Rypien made a lasting impact on his teammates and community. His number became the inspiration for the name “Project 11,” a program dedicated to fostering mental wellness in his honour.
Despite facing his own mental health challenges, Rypien envisioned a program that would help children develop the skills to manage their mental wellness. His legacy lives on through Project 11, which gives students the opportunity to explore mental health in a safe and supportive environment.
Bringing Project 11 to KCDSB
Project 11 launched at KCDSB in October 2024, following months of preparation by Kellee Spendlow, Student Well-Being Coach, and Sue Devlin, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor. The program currently operates in three classrooms:
• Grade 3 at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys (Teacher: Roxanne Viel)
• Grade 5/6 at St. John Paul II School (Teacher: Tracy Knopf)
• Grade 6 at St. John Paul II School (Teacher: Tiffany Dufresne)
The program’s impact is already being felt. Grade 6 student Ben shared, “I like learning about responsibility and kindness. Talking about mental health is important to help make it better for yourself.”
A Safe Space for Growth
Students appreciate the opportunity to openly discuss mental health. Lourayne explained, “I like Project 11 because it allows us to express our problems and share with the whole class what we feel about certain situations. It feels like a safe space where no one will judge you.”
The program’s lessons resonate with students on a personal level. “I have learned that it is really important to take a few moments to breathe,” said Naomai . “During a test, I’ll feel overwhelmed, and it’s a lot easier if I just take a few moments to breathe and think about what I’ve learned over the last while.”
The Role of Teachers
Classroom teachers play a vital role in Project 11’s success. All teachers must complete training before the program can be introduced into their classrooms. “I start the lessons, but the hope is that the teacher continues with the content throughout the week,” said Kellee Spendlow. Teachers have access to grade-specific curriculum materials, enabling them to fully integrate the program into their classrooms.
Looking Ahead
As the program expands to additional classrooms in January 2025, KCDSB looks forward to reaching more students. Plans are also underway to introduce Project 11 to early elementary students and schools at St. John School.
Project 11 continues to make a positive impact on students and staff alike, creating a culture of openness and support. As Lourayne put it, “I’ve learned that if you don’t talk about mental health, it will only get worse. Taking care of your mental health is so important.”
“Rick Rypien’s vision to create mental health awareness and support for young people lives on through Project 11,” said Kellee Spendlow. “We’re proud to bring his dream to KCDSB and look forward to expanding its reach in the years to come.”
