On January 22, 2025, the 15th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day will be dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and action. The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) continues to align with the positive and empowering promotion of Mental Health Awareness while showcasing how our schools champion mental health and well-being every day for all. Let’s reflect on the meaningful steps the OCSB takes to support our students, staff, and community.
Mental Health at the Core of Learning
At OCSB, we believe that mental health and well-being are foundational to student achievement. When children feel welcomed, included, and supported, they are better equipped to engage in learning. Our schools prioritize creating safe environments where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, we help students develop essential social and emotional life skills that prepare them for success today and in the future.
Supporting Students with Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of our approach. In alignment with School Mental Health Ontario’s (SMH-ON) mission to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health care through a culturally affirming lens, we support relationships and embody compassion through action every day:
- Early Intervention: Teachers and principals play a vital role in identifying students who may be struggling and connecting families with resources.
- Tailored Programs: Through partnerships like school-based mental health and behaviour support programs, we ensure that students facing emotional or behavioural challenges receive individualized support without disrupting their education.
- Professional Support Services: OCSB has invested in a team of mental health workers, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, behaviour analysts, behaviour consultants, addiction counsellors, and educators who collaborate with school staff to address students’ mental health needs at all tier levels.
Healthy Schools Start with Healthy Staff
We recognize that staff well-being is integral to student success. That’s why OCSB provides professional development on various mental health topics. By equipping school staff with tools for their own mental health, we create a ripple effect of support that benefits everyone in our community.
A Year of Action and Change
Our 2024-2025 Mental Health Action Plan outlines measurable strategies for monitoring progress in supporting student well-being, and we will continue to support this process.
Not only on January 22nd but on all days of the year, let us also celebrate the daily acts of compassion that define our schools and communities.
Join the Conversation
We invite everyone in the OCSB community to participate in sharing stories of compassion using #ocsbCompassion. Together, let’s continue building a culture where it’s okay not to be okay—and where help is always available for all.
This January 22nd, like any other day, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being for everyone.
