TLDSB tackles mental health in new strategy, plan

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has taken a step to address the issue of mental health, board wide.

At a board meeting, on Tuesday, February 27th, acting associate superintendent of learning, Tanya Fraser announced, a three-year mental health and addictions strategy and a one-year action plan have been developed.

“We are committed to the promotion of everyday mental health strategies, equipping students, staff and their caregivers with the knowledge to identify if a child is experiencing mental health concerns, using collaboration to build strong home and community connections and amplifying student voice and leadership in mental health,” Superintendent Fraser told trustees.

She noted, through surveys and forums, the board has found “students want to learn about mental health at school,” and “stress and anxiety are real and growing concerns for them.”

The board is also taking a statistical approach to this issue.

“School attendance is linked to well-being, and we are examining attendance trends across our district,” Superintendent Fraser said.

Overall, she stressed, through this initiative, the board must be committed to “improving well-being for all.”