Ensuring the mental health and well-being of students and staff remains a priority for Limestone. We recognize that the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 bring additional challenges and stress to the upcoming return to school. While many students and families are eager to return to a “more normal” school experience, some will be worried about starting back, and what this new school year will look like for them. Whether your student is engaging in-person or remote learning, we are committed to meet every learner where they are and create a positive strength-based return to school.

In preparation for the return to school, you may choose to begin to gradually re-introduce familiar routines to move back to a schedule that is closer to the one your student experiences during the school year. This may mean going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, eating at more regular times, or gathering school supplies as you normally would. Remember that it is normal for students to feel nervous about the return to school. You can support them by allowing space for students to express their concerns, while avoiding too much focus on physical safety and/or risk. If your student is already connected to the school support team, you may reach out to discuss transition supports. If not, you are invited to connect with the school administrator to learn about school-based mental health services that are available.

The board will continue to use a tiered approach for mental health supports by providing classroom and whole school-level supports to all students, and target intensive help to those who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including referrals to community mental health providers. School-based mental health staff will be available to support students, both in-person and virtually.

As part of its ongoing work with school boards, School Mental Health Ontario has released a number of resources targeted to students, families and caregivers, and educators to support the return to school.