Thriving Together | A Look at Mental Health Week at Lakefield College School

Student wellbeing is a top priority and is woven into a range of school programming (for students and staff alike), thanks to our THRIVE wellbeing initiative. THRIVE is a preventative mental health initiative based on three pillars: positive wellbeing, positive psychology, and lifelong habits. Our THRIVE program promotes good habits and practices intended to mitigate mental health issues before they start through a mix of workshops, activities, information sessions, and more, offered throughout the year (e.g. Flourish Fiesta, therapy dog sessions, school-wide access to Down Dog, etc.). These sessions are aimed at promoting habits and practices that improve the ability to focus, remember, and process information, contributing to better academic performance.

As part of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Mental Health Week, our school community came together to place additional focus on how to prioritize our mental wellbeing. In Chapel on Monday, Ms. Runza and Ms. Mayo highlighted this year's #MyStory campaign and announced a series of activities designed to help students THRIVE this week.

Each day offered new opportunities to participate in a special activity over the lunch hour. The activities focussed on the key habits and practices outlined in our THRIVE program. Monday started with guided meditation and sound baths, followed by a Zumba dance class and ‘Calm Crafting’ on Tuesday. Wednesday saw students taking on the challenge of bouldering on the climbing wall, while Thursday brought a power ball workshop. Friday was a mix of stress management and self-care activities, disc golf, and time with the campus dogs.

By promoting mental health awareness and offering opportunities for students to practice self-care and healthy habits, we aim to create a supportive and thriving community both inside and outside the classroom. We want our students to know that they are not alone and that many resources are available on campus to support their mental wellbeing. Whether it's talking to a trusted teacher, attending a workshop or activity, or simply taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or gratitude, we hope that our students will continue to use the skills and habits they formed to prioritize their mental health and thrive in all aspects of their lives.