More than ever, students and teachers are feeling the weight of the last few unprecedented years.  Encouraging a mental health check-in demonstrates to students how important it is to take care of ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally.  Our SEL Inquiry Committee developed another Mental Health May 5-Day Challenge, now a McRoberts tradition.The focus of this challenge is to promote a week of Mindfulness in order to improve our sense of school community through the development of personal and social awareness and responsibility with daily mental health focused activities. 

At the end the week there was a draw for prizes for participants, including amazing Mental-Health focused gift baskets with gift cards, treats, self-care products and more!

The breakdown of the week, with the benefits of the activities related to each day were:

Mindful Monday:

Introducing mindfulness and grounding techniques.

Benefits include:

• Reducing negative effects of stress
• Increasing students' ability to stay engaged
• Helping to reduce problematic behaviour by regulating emotions

Talking Tuesday:

Taking a momentary break to remind ourselves of the importance of conversation, socialization and personal expression.

Benefits include:

• Improving communication skills
• Making connections with peers and teachers
• Building a sense of community in the classroom

Walking Wednesday:

Taking a break to walk with teachers and peers in nature.

Benefits include:

• Increasing energy levels
• Reducing stress
• Enjoying nature
• Making connections with peers and teachers
• Building a sense of community in the classroom

Thinking Thursday:

Taking a brain break to recharge!

Benefits include:

• Improving cognitive skills such as attention, concentration, focus and memory
• Improving mental sharpness
• Having fun while recharging!
• Making connections with peers and teachers
• Building a sense of community in the classroom

Fun Friday:

School-wide outdoor fair

Benefits including:

• Making connections with staff and peers
• Building a sense of school-wide community