Supporting Student Mental Health at Sudbury Catholic Schools

Rooted in faith and guided by a strong sense of community, our students are growing in their understanding of what it means to care for themselves, for one another, and for the world around them. This blog highlights the many ways our board is fostering positive mental health and well-being—thanks to the dedication of passionate committees, committed staff, generous volunteers, and caring community partners. Each one of us plays a role in this important work. Thank you for helping make Sudbury Catholic Schools a place where every student can find hope and belonging.

Secondary School Stories

Bishop Students Share “Hearts of Encouragement” for Valentine’s Day

In February, Grade 9 Visual Art students at Bishop Alexander Carter School created a vibrant “Hearts of Encouragement” art installation, inspired by the classic candy conversation hearts popular around Valentine’s Day. Each heart featured a positive message, such as “You’ve got this” and “Believe in yourself” – designed to uplift and empower the school community. Led by Secondary Art Teacher, Marah Pardoe, the project aimed to support student mental health during the winter semester, by blending creativity, with meaningful motivational messages. Through the process, students explored colour theory, font design, and the emotional impact of visual art, using their skills to promote self-love, confidence, and connection.

The completed hearts were showcased in the school foyer for Valentine’s Day sparking thoughtful conversations among community members. The installation was warmly received by both students and staff, underscoring the power of art as a meaningful communication tool – one that can inspire, uplift and encourage people to share positive messages with one another.

St. Benedict Diverse Student Union Leads Student Leadership Workshops for Black History Month 

In celebration of Black History Month, the Diverse Student Union (DSU) at St. Benedict School partnered with the African Women and Youth Foundation (AWYF) to host an inspiring day of leadership and advocacy workshops for Grade 7 and 8 students. This vibrant, student-led event brought Black History to life while championing inclusive leadership and community empowerment. Secondary students took the lead, guiding their younger peers through learning stations, games, and hands-on activities. Together, they explored key skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration, while discovering different leadership styles. More than just a workshop, the day was a celebration of unity, mentorship, and the power of students uplifting one another to become changemakers in their communities.

“This event brought the students together in a way we couldn’t have imagined better. It connected students of all different backgrounds for a common good—Together We Are Better.”

– Oluwanifemi Phillips, Grade 11 DSU Executive

CBT Program Builds Resilience and Self-Awareness at St. Charles College

This semester, Grade 12 students in Ms. Caldwell’s class at St. Charles College were the first in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board to participate in a new mental health program, “Introduction to CBT” (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). Offered at a universal level, the program was designed to equip students with practical tools to navigate challenges, build self-awareness, and foster resilience. The six-week program, offered in partnership with Ana Santos, Registered Psychotherapist with the Board’s Mental Health and Addictions Team ran from February 19 to April 2.

CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps students recognize how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. The sessions focused on key topics such as unhelpful thinking styles, reframing thoughts, managing emotions, and the body-mind connection.

“Introducing students to CBT gave them a valuable foundation for understanding their emotions and managing everyday challenges. It’s empowering to see them reflect on their thought patterns and develop healthy coping strategies they can carry with them beyond the classroom.” 

— Ana Santos, Registered Psychotherapist, SCDSB Mental Health and Addictions Team

Marymount Academy Introduces Student Wellbeing Champions Committee

This year, Marymount Academy introduced a new student-led Mental Health Committee — the Student Wellbeing Champions. Made up of seven student leaders and supported by Karley Ambrose, Social Worker, the group promotes kindness, connection, and mental health awareness throughout the school.

The committee meets regularly to plan school-wide initiatives that focus on uplifting student well-being. Campaigns have included: 

• Positive Candy Canes –  The committee made sure every student received a candy cane attached to their locker, featuring a positive affirmation and information about a local mental health resource. This initiative aimed to spread holiday cheer while reminding students that support is always available.
• Bell Let’s Talk Tea – In recognition of Bell Let’s Talk Day, students came together in the school lobby to participate in a “Who do you go to for support?” poster activity. Committee members also hosted a cozy tea session, creating a warm and welcoming space where students could relax with a hot drink, catch up with friends, or make new connections.
• Pink Shirt Day: Hanging Bullying Up to Dry – The committee set up a booth for students to decorate pink shirts with messages of kindness, which were displayed throughout the school to support anti-bullying efforts.

“I’m just happy to be part of something that makes a difference. Helping to put a smile on someone’s face or making their day a little brighter… it feels really good knowing we’re making the world a better place, even in small ways.” 

— Marymount Academy Student Wellbeing Champion

Elementary School Stories

Ontario SPCA Visit Teaches Emotional Awareness at St. James School

On February 11, Grade 1 students in Mme Lexie’s class at St. James Catholic School enjoyed a special visit from the Ontario SPCA, featuring an AnimalSmart™ presentation. Offered by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, these presentations aim to nurture empathy and encourage a sense of responsibility toward animals and the broader community. During the session, students learned how animals express emotions and how those emotions relate to their own feelings. Through interactive videos and thoughtful discussion, they explored how emotions like fear, excitement, and stress can appear differently in animals—just as they do in people—helping students build emotional awareness and compassion.

“The visit helped me understand my dog better. Now I can tell when he needs space or when he’s happy.”

By recognizing emotional cues in animals, students not only gained insight into their own feelings but also developed a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways emotions are expressed—whether by humans or animals. As children of God, we are called to extend care, comfort, and compassion to all living beings in need, honouring the shared capacity for feeling that connects us all.

Pius XII Students Take a Stand for Social Justice

Throughout March, Grade 5 students at Pius XII Catholic School participated in Stand Up for Social Justice—a weekly program offered through Cambrian College. Led by placement students Smarika Upreti and Brianna Hotson, the initiative encouraged students to engage in meaningful discussions about empathy, equity, and making positive change. The program aims to empower students to be agents of change—encouraging young learners to stand up for justice and contribute to a more compassionate world.

Each Thursday focused on a key theme:

• Pink Shirt Day (March 6): Students explored the origins of the anti-bullying movement and how kindness and speaking out can help build safer schools and communities.
• Equity and Justice (March 20): Lessons highlighted the differences between equity and equality, using real-world examples to show how fairness supports everyone’s rights.
• Social Justice Movements (March 27): Students learned about global movements like Fridays for Future and Black Lives Matter, connecting these ideas to local issues that matter to them.

“This experience has been transformative for our class. These activities have allowed students to understand the world beyond their own and recognize the power they have to make it better. Watching their emotional awareness grow has been incredibly rewarding. We are so proud of our students.”

– Amanda Schiafone, Grade 5 Teacher

A Place for Every Panther: St. Paul Re-Imagines Recess

Recognizing that well-being looks different for every student, staff at St. Paul School have introduced a diverse range of creative and social activities during recess, ensuring every child can find a space where they feel comfortable, connected, and empowered to thrive.

• To promote physical activity and teamwork, the school has introduced intramural sports such as basketball, kickball, and dodgeball. These games encourage physical wellness and help students build positive peer connections. 

• For students who enjoy creative or quieter activities, St. Paul offers a Junior Crochet Club and weekly read-aloud sessions—currently featuring The BFG by Roald Dahl. These programs provide relaxing and expressive outlets for students. Additionally, the school is launching a new “Social Club” in the library, where students can work on puzzles, create art, read, catch up on homework, or simply unwind in a calm, welcoming space.

“We understand that supporting student mental health means offering a wide variety of activities and experiences. It’s about giving our students the tools they need to stay physically active, creatively engaged, socially connected, and emotionally balanced. By offering a range of structured options during break times, we are ensuring all students can engage in meaningful activities that meet their social, emotional, and physical needs. The amazing things happening here at St. Paul are just the beginning—and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways our students continue to grow and thrive!” 

– Derek Radey, Principal of St. Paul School 

Holy Trinity ISW Fosters Community Well-Being Through Environmental Stewardship Actions

At Holy Trinity School, Indigenous Support Worker (ISW) Stacey Dell has been thoughtfully leading a variety of outdoor and Indigenous Education based activities designed to help students build resilience, strengthen community, and support their well-being during the colder and rainier months.

From February to April, Ms. Stacey led students through a variety of activities that fostered a deeper connection to the land and emphasized the healing power of nature. These initiatives not only strengthened their commitment to environmental stewardship but also encouraged a mindset of positivity, nurturing practices that support mental well-being.

• Outdoor scavenger hunts using Ojibwe language helped students of different backgrounds engage with the natural environment and the Indigenous culture.
• Cross-country skiing sessions with Spirit North promoted physical activity and lifted spirits during the cold winter months.
• World Water Day inspired student creativity and mindfulness through handmade posters and artwork on water conservation, linking environmental care to overall wellness.
• For Earth Month, students created art using natural and recycled materials and explored seed planting with the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—learning how nurturing the Earth is a reflection of nurturing ourselves. The “Three Sisters” refers to an Indigenous agricultural practice of intercropping corn, beans, and squash. When planted together, these three crops support each other’s growth—much like the way students, staff, and families in a school community work together in harmony.

“Ms. Stacey’s work continues to foster a deep sense of belonging, respect, and unity within our school community. Through her ongoing efforts, students are learning that caring for the Earth is also a powerful way to learn about and care for their own health and well-being as well as others.”

– Colin Lapalme, Principal, Holy Trinity

St. Joseph School Implements Holistic Arts-Based Program

This year, St. Joseph School introduced the Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP), developed by Dr. Diana Coholic from the School of Social Work. Facilitated by Cole Giffin, the program combines mindfulness, creative expression, and social-emotional learning to support student mental health.

Most recently, the class participated in a “Group Island” activity, where students collaborated to create a shared artwork based on a survival scenario. Students were asked to imagine they were stranded on a deserted island. Each student had to choose three essential survival items to “pack,” while ensuring there were no duplicates and that every item contributed to the group’s collective success. The exercise emphasized teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy. 

Students have also participated in a series of activities which have supported self-expression and emotional regulation. These included mindful breathing, creating class agreements, exploring emotions through art, and learning about the seven key attitudes of mindfulness.

“We will continue to use the objectives introduced by HAP, for they have made a difference in how the students work cohesively, express their feelings, and cope with day-to-day challenges.” 

– Sheila Tuhkasaari, Vice Principal, St. Joseph School

The Parent Involvement Committee Hosts Mental Health & Well-Being Event

On April 9, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee hosted a Mental Health & Well-Being Carousel Event at St. Benedict School. The evening brought together parents, guardians, staff, and local organizations to explore ways to support child and youth mental health.

The event featured a keynote by Dr. Stephanie Price of the MNDFL Collective, who spoke about the impact of technology on child development. Families also took part in breakout sessions led by experts on key topics such as anxiety, screen time, peer pressure, and substance use. Free dinner and childcare were provided to help make the event accessible to all.

“It was a pleasure to speak with the community at this important event,” said Dr. Price. “As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, it’s essential for caregivers to stay involved and informed to help children navigate the digital world safely and confidently.”

Parent Involvement Committee Chair Paola Stefanuto praised the evening’s impact. “Parents had meaningful conversations and left with helpful tools and strategies to support their child’s well-being. We are grateful to our presenters for making this event such a success.”

Conclusion:

As we journey together in faith this spring, let us take a moment to recognize and celebrate the essential role our staff play in nurturing vibrant, compassionate communities. Each day, through their care, dedication, and unwavering support, they ensure that every student feels truly seen, deeply valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

At Sudbury Catholic Schools, we believe that mental health and well-being are not just priorities—they are foundational to who we are. They are woven into every aspect of our mission, shaping the way we teach, support, and walk alongside our students. This commitment is not just a practice; it is a reflection of our faith—a daily expression of love, hope, and purpose.

Together, with hearts rooted in service and a shared belief in the dignity of every child, we continue to build spaces where students thrive—mind, body, and spirit.

Mental Health Hub