HWCDSB Mental Health Strategy & Action Plan
We’re proud to share that our board has launched the 2025–2028 Mental Health & Addiction Strategy to Support Student Mental Health alongside the 2025–2026 Student Mental Health & Well-Being Annual Action Plan. Both are rooted in our Catholic mission to uphold the dignity of every child and to build caring, Christ-centred schools where each student feels seen, safe, and supported.
What this means for our students and families
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Faith-filled, inclusive supports: We’re strengthening welcoming learning environments and partnering with families, parishes, and community agencies to promote resilience, healing, and hope.
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Right Time, Right Care: A tiered approach (universal promotion, targeted prevention, and individualized intervention) ensures students receive appropriate support when they need it.
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Aligned with Ontario guidance (PPM 169): We are implementing culturally responsive, evidence-informed mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention across our system.
What to expect this school year
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Classroom learning for mental health literacy (Grades 6, 7, 8, and 10), with a new Grade 6 module in 2025–26.
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Catholic School Climate Survey (Grades 4–12) to elevate student voice and guide school-level supports.
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Family engagement: Quarterly parent/guardian newsletters, information sessions (e.g., bullying, mobile devices, vaping), and solution-focused meetings when concerns arise.
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Bullying prevention & reporting: Continued use and promotion of the Anonymous Bullying Reporting Tool and clear follow-up processes.
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Staff training & collaboration: Ongoing professional learning for educators and mental health professionals; strengthened community pathways with child and youth mental health agencies.
Need support?
If you have concerns about your child’s well-being—or if your child asks for help—please contact the school office. We will connect you with the appropriate support (e.g., classroom strategies, Child & Youth Worker, School Social Worker) and, where needed, culturally relevant community services. Together, and grounded in faith, we will ensure Right Time, Right Care.
Learn more: For the full 2025–2028 Strategy and this year’s 2025–2026 Action Plan, please see the board communication shared with schools and Catholic School Councils.
062 ATT 2025-2026 HWCDSB Mental Health and Addiction Strategy to Support Student Mental Health.pdf
062 ATT 2025-2026 HWCDSB Student Mental Health & Well-being Annual Action Plan.pdf