In a worldwide pandemic, physical safety is paramount. Mental health - especially the mental health of children and the long-term impact this year will have on them – has been a primary focus for each and every one of our SECPSD staff as well. This year on this special week it seemed appropriate to make a blog post celebrating all the ways these epic educators support the mental health of kids and families. Having spent time in the division’s schools I can say unequivocally that they are superheroes and here are a few reasons why:
They Leap Tall Buildings in a Single Bound:
Well maybe not literally, but they do step up to meet whatever challenges come at them. Let’s face it, this year has been tough on everyone. Even if you’ve been able to find some silver linings during the pandemic, chances are there have been lots of not-so-great, or even downright awful moments too. Our staff have worked tirelessly to keep learning fun and to connect in innovative ways so this year will be a learning success for their students. That has meant going the extra mile in areas they probably never imagined being part of their role! They’ve made the leap and are helping students leap too. Check out the SECPSDCOVID-19 Health and Safety Response Plan to learn about the “extras” our staff are doing to keep kids safe and support student mental health.
They Have X-Ray Vision (For Fostering Resilience):
Do you remember that special person from your own school days, the one who went above and beyond? Maybe it was an EA or librarian who spent extra time helping you master a difficult skill; a principal or teacher that gave you encouragement (or a break) when you needed it most. It could have been your bus driver who turned around when you forgot your math homework; an admin assistant who comforted you when you were sick or a custodian who let you hang around after school. Maybe they inspired you to try again, to do your best, to be kind. That’s what educators do, they work hard every day to connect with their students and help them reach their potential. In schools across our division, education staff have spent the last several months learning about and implementing trauma sensitive teaching methods in their schools and classrooms. These methods help them to expand their x-ray vision by focusing on the ways stress affects a student’s ability to cope and learn. They adapt strategies to meet student’s unique needs so every student has opportunities to develop skills for resilience. The more resilient children and youth are, the better their mental health and the easier it is to unlock their potential throughout life! Learn more about trauma sensitive schools and their impact on student outcomes here.
They Have Superhuman Strength:
Really, they do. Not only do they use their empathy, patience and stamina to help get kids ready to learn; they use their strength to support mental health too. They give their time for evening phone calls, to coach, lead a club or tutor providing a much-needed outlet for stress. They listen, comfort and respond as children share their life stories, happy, sad, tragic and scary. They don’t stop at student mental health, they support families who are grieving or in crisis. They re-assure anxious, frustrated or angry parents. They make adaptations, offer advice and guidance and act as advocates for students and their families. They are as tired as the rest of us, but they continue to show up, offer care and cheer on all of “their” kids and families.
As we celebrate education week in this unprecedented time, we want our division’s staff - these cape-less crusaders – to know this: we see you, we appreciate you and we thank you for all that you do to support the mental health and well-being of children and youth in our communities.