Prioritizing Student Wellness and System-Wide Support
At the May 20 Board Meeting, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor Sue Devlin presented a comprehensive update on the Kenora Catholic District School Board’s Mental Health Strategy. The report highlighted a year of growth in system-wide supports, innovative programming, and meaningful progress toward alignment with the Ministry of Education’s updated PPM 169 guidelines on student mental health services.
Devlin shared that approximately 1,200 students across the Board have received classroom-based mental health programming this year—an extraordinary reach made possible through intentional planning and the dedication of a highly skilled team. School-based programming included Kids in the Know, SNAP for Schools, Project 11, and Coping in Action—a provincially piloted program rooted in evidence-based mental health practices. In addition, all Grade 8 students participated in PreVenture, a preventative, skill-building initiative designed to foster resilience and healthy decision-making before the transition to high school.
A major focus of this year’s work was measurement-based care, a practice that ensures students receive tailored support, progress is monitored over time, and service decisions are data-informed. Through the Green Space platform, clinicians assess and track outcomes using standardized tools related to anxiety, mood, and behavioural well-being. KCDSB’s recovery rates are currently above the provincial average, underscoring the effectiveness of its services and the professionalism of its clinical team.
“Our team is made up of dedicated, highly trained clinicians who go above and beyond for students every day,” said Devlin. “They’re not only providing therapy and intervention—they’re building trusting relationships, teaching life skills, and supporting students through challenges big and small.”
The KCDSB mental health team includes Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapist and support staff who work closely with school staff, families, and external partners to create safe and caring environments. They provide one-on-one counselling, group support, classroom education, and crisis intervention. Their work is rooted in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice and prioritizes relationships, equity, and access.
Family and caregiver engagement also remains a core pillar of the strategy. This year’s system-wide caregiver book club featured The Anxious Generation and quickly reached full capacity with 65 parents and guardians participating. This initiative not only created a space for dialogue but also built stronger school-home connections around student wellness.
Meanwhile, creative programming and community partnerships—such as Paws to Read, therapy dog visits, and interactive wellness events—continue to offer positive, low-barrier opportunities for students to explore mental health in friendly, non-stigmatising ways.
As the strategy moves forward, the KCDSB remains committed to evidence-informed practice, student voice, and a shared responsibility model that includes educators, families, peers, and community partners. The system’s approach is anchored in care, compassion, and the belief that mental health is foundational to student success.
Trustees expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of Sue Devlin and the entire mental health team, acknowledging their dedication and the strong foundation they continue to build in support of student well-being.