This May our McRoberts community celebrated our now annual Mental Health May Week during the last week of May, with a range of activities for teachers to engage in with their classes, culminating in a final school-wide celebration.

Below is a brief description of the week's events:

Mindful Monday

Studies have shown that mindfulness reduces the negative effects of stress, increases student engagement, and regulates emotions. On Monday, teachers had the option of different mindfulness activities including gratitude journal writing, meditation activities and grounding exercises.

Tech-Free Tuesday

Time for a Digital Detox!  Current research indicates a significant negative impact from excessive social media and smartphone use on the mental health of adolescents and teens.  On Tuesday, students and staff had the option to join the Tech Free Challenge - a day off of their phones! Winners of the challenge won a month fitness pass to South Arm Community Centre.

Walking Wednesday

Feeling connected to the natural world and other people can be a way out of a circle of negative thinking.On Wednesday, classes could choose to take a walk while having a casual conversation with teachers and classmates.

Thinking Thursday

Thursday was an opportunity for a brain break, to help recharge the brain.  Activities included word games, math games, trivia games and more.

Funky Fun Friday

On Friday, we celebrated as a whole community with an outdoor celebration that included snacks, temporary tattoos, button making, a drum circle, and an incredible dance routine taught by one of our amazing staff members.

A huge thank you to our Social-Emotional Learning Inquiry Grant team of teachers who put the time and energy into making this week come alive.