Mental Health
As we prepare for the start of the new school year, we look forward to welcoming our students back into warm learning environments where relationships are prioritized. We will continue to focus on mental health and well-being as priorities for learning and flourishing.
Kenora Catholic’s Mental Health Team has implemented a tiered approach to mental health that will provide universal classroom programming as well as individualized interventions to those who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We care about the range of emotions students of all ages may be experiencing as they get ready to transition back to school in September. Kenora Catholic’s Mental Health Team has been available to support students with transitional supports and feelings of stress and worry throughout the summer. The team supports students with adjusting to the current circumstances, worries about returning to school and feelings of stress about the changes in the school day. Mental Health Workers are available to provide single-session and ongoing support to students as well as tips for parents/guardians to support their child’s mental health.
Referrals for mental health services can be initiated through the classroom Teacher or by contacting the School Principal.
Mental health services include the use of virtual care platforms as well as in-person delivery.
Parent Tips - Helping Your Child Return to School During COVID-19
This past year has been anything but usual. We know that while many students and families are eager to return to a “more normal” school experience, some will be worried about starting back and what this new school year will look like for them. Remember, as parents/caregivers you know your child best.
Many children will fall somewhere in the middle of this range and will feel some excitement and some worry as we approach the new school year. It is normal and okay for your child to feel a range of emotions about the return to school. Rest assured, there are some important things that you can do to help your child get ready for the return to school. Click here for
Tips for Helping Your Child Return to School During COVID-19.
Parent/Guardian Resources
We continue to provide resources for parents/guardians to partner in support of student well-being. These resources are posted on the Board’s website under Mental Health and Wellness. Please reach out to your child’s school for additional resources or supports. Click here for
Mental Health Resources for Returning to School.
Special Education Supports
Kenora Catholic will continue to focus on supporting students with special education needs as schools reopen. School-based transition plans are in place to support students with special education needs--this may also include school Kindergarten Transition visits--- and their families with school transition goals to re-establish familiarity with the school environment and routines to facilitate a smooth transition back to the classroom setting.
The Special Education Department, Mental Health Team and system-level educators are providing enhanced transitional support for students, which may include changes in the school environment, unique student identities and/or remote learning needs when reviewing and updating individual education plans (IEPs) and to ensure continued access to assistive technology.
The safe return of medically fragile students will be supported by consulting with Public Health on options for personal protective equipment, staff training and potential continued remote learning where return is not possible.
Health and safety protocols, mental health and well-being are some of the topics for the mandatory professional activity days that will occur before the start of the 2021-22 school year. Supporting students with special education needs will be integrated across all professional learning topics.