Sue Devlin with five of the nine Student Mental Health Advisory Team Members
The Kenora Catholic District School Board’s (KCDSB) Student Mental Health Advisory Team has grown from two students in 2021 to a strong and passionate team of nine in 2024. These students, working under the guidance of Sue Devlin, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, play a vital role in shaping mental health initiatives, breaking down stigma, and making high school a more inclusive and supportive environment.
“Student voice is at the heart of our mental health programming at Kenora Catholic,” said Sue Devlin. “Students are driving change, sharing their insights, and shaping initiatives that truly reflect their needs. They are not just participants but leaders and advocates, inspiring meaningful progress and making a lasting impact on our school communities.”
Advocating for Change
Grade 11 student Addison Spak joined the team after being inspired by its mission in her first year of high school. “I’ve always been an advocate for mental health,” Addison said. “It’s not something we should shy away from, but something we should be promoting and talking about in our school.”
Addison and her teammates actively engage with their peers to break the stigma around mental health. Through activities like classroom discussions, interactive events, and creative campaigns, the team encourages students to speak up and seek help. “We’re trying to change how people view mental health. It’s not a bad thing, and no one should be afraid to ask for help,” Addison explained.
Creating Connections
For fellow Grade 11 student Izzah Imran, joining the team was an opportunity to make a difference. “Students often hide their struggles because they don’t know how to express them to teachers,” she said. “With students on the team, we can connect with each other and create a space where everyone feels comfortable and supported.”
Izzah emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in school activities, noting that not everyone participates in sports or traditional extracurriculars. “We need more options like art competitions or cooking challenges so everyone can feel included,” she suggested.
A moment of calm: A St. Thomas Aquinas High School Student connects with a therapy dog from Therapeutic Paws of Canada, part of an initiative to reduce stress during exams.
Small Actions, Big Impact
The team's initiatives have made a visible impact at KCDSB schools. Events like bringing therapy dogs during exams and hosting hot chocolate giveaways with positive message tags are student favourites. "The dogs really helped students relax before exams," Izzah shared. "A friend told me it made a big difference in relieving their stress."
Addison is equally enthusiastic about upcoming events. “I’m really looking forward to handing out hot chocolate and candy canes with positive messages,” she said. “It’s a simple activity, but it’s fun and really helps promote mental health awareness around the school.”
A Close-Knit Team with a Big Mission
Both Addison and Izzah spoke about the supportive and collaborative nature of the team. “We’re all passionate about what we do, and we’re a close-knit group,” Addison said. “We want to help the school and make a difference.”
The team’s work goes beyond activities and events—they are also helping to guide students toward available resources. “If someone is struggling, I would encourage them to talk to guidance or use the anonymous referral system,” Addison explained.
Izzah added, “Mental health is a really important topic, and expressing it isn’t bad. You have to be who you are and work toward a better quality of life.”
Students Shape the Future
The Student Mental Health Advisory Team continues to grow in both size and impact, ensuring student voices remain central to KCDSB’s mental health initiatives. By fostering connection, inclusivity, and support, these students are helping to create a better environment for everyone.
As Sue Devlin reflected, “Working with these students is inspiring. They remind us of the importance of listening, collaborating, and building a system that reflects the needs of the students we serve.”
Izzah and Sue working on the candy cane positive messages that will be handed out to students on December 20.