Thrive in Community

January 2024
Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being

January is a time for Self-Control

After the excitement of the winter holidays we turn our minds to the year ahead. Rather than plowing headfirst into routines
and plans, we can take the time to think with curiosity and wonder about what is in store for us. We can choose to act with
self-control by managing our emotions and impulses to be more kind and gentle. We can decide on the loving responses Glimmer Moments
we show to others and ourselves. In this issue you will find resources and tips on creating and developing practices that &
support well-being through practicing good habits. The video below features students at St. Sebastian Elementary School
Gratitude
talking about why wellness is important and how to look for glimmers of joy. You can practice finding your own glimmer
moments using the Practicing Gratitude Tool from School Mental Health Ontario.
Student Voice

Click here to check out

more resources from the Prayer
Champions
Lord, lift me up for your blessings today. I pray that
you will anoint me with strength and self-care
today, tomorrow and always. I pray that you will
grace me with patience and wisdom. I pray that you
will encourage me throughout the day to take the
correct steps to walk proudly and behave well. I
St. Sebastian Wellness Leaders pray all of these things in your name!
Amen.
DP.Champions
Virtue of the month:
Click on the resources below from School Mental Health Self-control/decision
Ontario to access the full version making
The dark days of winter can sometimes make
it challenging to stick to good habits and Sleep is an important component
routines. Getting good quality sleep helps all of wellness as it helps with both
of us remain at our best. Try these Tips for physical and mental well-being.
Building a Mentally Healthy Nighttime Routine Getting enough good quality
to get the sleep we all need to feel refreshed sleep boosts health, mood, and
to take on the challenges of each new day. academic performance. Students
can try incorporating good sleep
Secondary students will soon be writing habits as part of their exam
culminating activities and exams. This preparation process this January.
Parent/Caregiver Handout on Test and Exam
Stress has tips for how to support your child’s Click on each icon to access more resources.
learning and ways you can help them
prepare for exams. There are also ideas for
how to calm the stress teens might be
experiencing and how to handle
disappointment if they are unhappy with a
mark or result.

"If we love one another, God lives in us." (1 John 4:12)

 Well-Being in DPCDSB Schools
Click on the images to see the work of our wellness leaders!!
“The star showed everybody that Baby Jesus was born”

Promoting Wellness at St. Marguerite D’Youville’s Lounge

Advent Challenge at St. Mary ‘s

Nativity Art from St Teresa of Avila’s FDK

Knitty Gritty Club at St. Oscar Romero St. Dominic Health and Wellness Team Guides
Primary Students in Christmas Crafts

Student Information & Resources Looking for Support:

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text
Secondary students will be thinking about CPT’s and exams as the first semester comes to a close "CONNECT" to 686868 (0-18 years of age).
later this month. Try to start your course reviews early and resist the urge to wait until just before Black youth can text “RISE” to 686868.
Indigenous Youth can text FIRST NATIONS,
your exams. This is a great way to engage with what you learned over the semester. Reviewing a INUIT or METIS to 686868 to connect with an
little bit at a time is a better way to study than cramming last minute. Getting good sleep and Indigenous volunteer crisis responder.
avoiding distractions like social media will also help you stay focused on the work at hand. 24.7 Crisis Support Peel: 905-278-9036
1·888·811·2222. (for all ages)
Remember to take breaks and practice self-care so you don’t get overwhelmed. Click on the images Dufferin Child and Family Services - Crisis
below to access helpful resources from School Mental Health Ontario and Kids Help Phone as you Services: 519-941-1530
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
head into the end of the semester. (support for all Indigenous peoples across
Canada)
National Indian Residential School Crisis
Line: 1-866-925-4419
Black Youth Help Line: 1-833-294-8650 or 416-
285-9944 (website: www.blackyouth.ca)
LGBT2Q+ Youth Line:1-800-268-9688
(website: www.youthline.ca)
Naseeha Mental Health Hotline for Muslim
Individuals: 1-866-NASEEHA (627-3342)
(website: www.naseeha.org)
911 or go to your local Emergency Room

"If we love one another, God lives in us." (1 John 4:12)