The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutClinton News Record, 2015-04-29, Page 19School board's mental health lead visits Seaforth Marco Vigliotti Postmedia Network Schools provide an opti- mal setting to identify stu- dents in need of mental health support and can assist in building crucial "pathways to care," accord- ing to the Avon Maitland District School Board's men- tal health lead. Addressing an assembled audience of parents and educators in Seaforth earlier this month, Anne Robinson laid out how the sprawling school district sought to promote positive mental health among students and planned to work with exter- nal care providers to get help to those who need it the most. She also provided a com- prehensive rundown of the signs and symptoms of sev- eral common mental health disorders to help parents and school staff success- fully identify and intervene when necessary. Among the more serious symptoms highlighted were distorted thinking, acting overly suspicious of others and seeing or hearing things that are not there. Other signs such as wors- ening grades, increased wor- rying and difficultly sleeping could also hint at more minor issues or perhaps a physical ailment. Robinson encouraged parents to take their children to a doctor first to ensure the symptoms were not related to a medical concern. "It's easy to recognize when a child has a fever, but a child's mental health is different," she told a crowd at the AMDSB's education centre in Seaforth Public School on April 15. "It can be difficult to distinguish between 'normal' problems that all children and youth experience from time to time and behaviour that may be indicative of a men- tal health disorder" The school board's men- tal health strategy focuses on building on a strong foundation to address prob- lems before they become serious or dangerous, Rob- inson said. The strategy is built around three objectives: promoting the mental health and wellness of stu- dents, preventing the developing of disorders and problems and estab- lishing a community sys- tem of care to deliver inter- vention for students with mental health issues. In terms of promotion, the Because you love their lives. Imo ILII'• rin3 Y•t N�Lll1ry1,�. I1r'1F 1rar� 1 ilr IIr{ritJk xt 1•Fcey why Ihrrrk yI1,dIrlUrrct.IS+.•caIr . ift.,:1 15117 iM IMrIMIMI 1111tJiIUHI II•t7°IR .r I1K II 111 IIIFg r.I S°,yry: arledlrNrlx .niht bliozd 14411.11111i111 L1i II'4112IrikM5 urctiltfl- medical Anvii IiL1ti11: nI Ir.iLrtni ..C'1ta• Ifs Ir11y�1a1 FA,R el 11iediV5 WI r•] 17 invade a r 1 ti11 Lr r1 L & J I r1'IIITLdiILr■111k11,1 hi lir °air61 m..ciouL{ib1' 1fi-i.'1-!14 5rlrrrut uww rrN I•r ami . r 4 nor � ciAviedicAlert womplidirocomei board has designed several mental health awareness and literacy programs, such as a mental health curricu- lum, a positive health toolkit, an eating disorders cam- paign and school -wide posi- tive behaviour supports. Its schools also boats an array of programs and initia- tives to support positive mental health, such as a snack program, teacher and peer mentors, daily physical activity and spirit days, Rob- inson said. Although some may not appear to have direct impacts on improving men- tal health, she explained that developing a positive mind space was a holistic effort, requiring both physical and mental attention. Initiatives such as pyjama day and wear a sports jersey day, however, could actually make some students feel more anxious and poten- tially isolated, according to some in attendance. A parent at the meeting said her child hated wearing pyjamas around the house let alone at school, while another voiced concerns about how some students could feel isolated if their families couldn't afford to purchase a sports jersey. Robinson pointed to these examples to stress the need for parents to speak out on behalf of their children, explaining that they know them better than their teach- ers ever will. "If your child does not seem to be behaving (like) his/her normal self, trust your instincts," she said. "You do not need to know what the problem is to get assistance" Robinson also encouraged parents to help their chil- dren by acknowledging their worries and fear, helping them maintain good physi- cal health and regular rou- tines and model "good ways of handling stress," among other recommendations. As for the external sup- ports available, she pointed to the Huron -Perth Centre, Children's Aid Society and Choices for Change counsel- ling services. Some parents and edu- cators, though, raised con- cerns about the wait time for the Huron -Perth Centre specifically, but Robinson noted that the school board was offering support in the interim. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 • News Record 19 Huron Centennial accepting e -waste donations Joan Beierling Special to the News Record Card players met at the Odd Fellows Hall in Brucefield for cards. With seven tables in play the high lady was Grace Hodgins, low lady Mona Alderdice, Marilyn Aiken playing as a man was high man and low man was Alex Townsend. The most lone hands went to Ruth Pick- ard and the draws were won by Ev Robinson, Cathy Boon and Barb Oesch. The next card party will be this Thursday, April 30. Everyone Welcome! Canadian Foodgrains Bank was celebrated on Sun- day at Brucefield Commu- nity United Church. Special Guests were Jean Bennett and Bob Kellington. The theme of Worship was a Christian Response to Hun- ger. Colin Snyder led in Wor- ship. Weston Rathwell lit the Christ Candle , Edith Swan read the First Testament reading and the greeters were Carole Cooper and June Cooper. The Choir favoured everyone with an anthem Yes He Did. Jean Bennett was the guest speaker on her experience to Kenya and Rwanda to observe first hand how the Canadian Foodgrains Bank was used. Following the ser- vice she showed slides on that experience. Bob Kelling- ton spoke on the Brucefield Food Grains Oven, for every $20 donated there will be a loaf of bread put in the oven. Lets fill the oven! Upcoming meetings are as follows; LCC team meeting will be May 7 at 7:30 p.m., Stewards Meeting May 12 at 7:30 p.m. and the M&P meeting May 13 at 1 p.m. The Sunday School will be starting a new Greet and Meet on Sunday mornings before Church with cookies, juice and coffee for the chil- dren and adults who are arriving early. Come and enjoy time together. Huron Centennial School are having an E -waste fund- raiser April 30, May 1, and 2. They will be taking computers, TVs, cell phones, radios etc. This will be done at the school. All funds raised will go towards new playground equipment. Mark your calendars for the Noon Luncheon and Euchre party to be held at the Brucefield Community United Church Tuesday, May 5 starting at 12 p.m. Price is $12 and this includes hot lunch, cards and door prizes. Everyone welcome! Camp Menesetung clean up day is scheduled for Fri- day May 8 starting at 9 a.m. If you are able to help please contact Sharon Chuter. X1111 aii E TED' LTL agab 10 33 Main St., AMY S eaforth McCLUREFIERL Sales Rep 1519.600.1577 519-525-3988 Direct 519.272.5413 KYLA COOK MAUREEN WILDFONG THE SIGN THAT SAYS SOLD Broker Sales Rep. 519-520-9557 519-525-9954 ,,, , Please Visit www.sehirtg.ea forth.corn 'lib Vresw 1, f . . 1.! -. UPDATES GALORE EXCELLENT CONDITION LAKEVIEW COTTAGE PRACTICALLY NEW Pr; r*. • r`l" , tri I 17 REGINA ROAD, VANASTRA MLS #135536 • $155,000 62 MAPLE STREET, HURON HAVEN MLS #299001 • $37,900 616 POTAWATOMI PATH, PT CLARK MLS #664481 • $159,500 121 ELGIN AVE EAST, GODERICH MLS #917432 • $339,900 COUNTRY LIVING ESTABLISHED BUSINESS AMAZING UPDATES FINISHED BASEMENT t_ I. •I 1, ,1 . ', ---. n ,. 1 `� , '.1.,.--'1rf•. `tl o Q .. tea-°..-. 41507 MONCRIEFF ROAD 17 VICTORIA STREET, CLINTON 48 HURON STREET, CLINTON 344 ALBERT STREET, CLINTON MLS #733083 • $219,900 MLS #966907 • $89,000 MLS #760323 • $199,900 MLS #178475 • $299,900 www.sellingseaforth.com