Mental Health Awareness Week

The first week of May, Eastdale held a series of activities throughout the week to mark and highlight mental health issues. Each day of the week students were asked one or two reflective questions regarding mental health. Such as, 'What gives you stress or makes you anxious?', 'What do you do to stay calm or relax?' Each day their responses were displayed in the display case in the main foyer. (see below)

In addition to having a school-wide question of the day connected to mental health and well-being, we also took a break on Tuesday afternoon for an extended period of games and activities including creative art, a table tennis tournament, badminton, board games, and movie screening and learning a new creative app called Adobe Spark.  Each lunch time offered activities including Yoga, Gardening, Creative Art, and games in the Gym.

A highlight of our week was a visit from some four-legged friends from the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog program.  We were thrilled to welcome Izak, Lucy, Coda and Betty, and their two-legged companions Carl, Joanne, Susan and Yves.  All this was made possible through the efforts of Julie Michaud, who coordinates the Child Friendly and Special Needs aspect of the Therapy Dog program.

Room 207 was filled at lunch with students, staff and our visitors who had a chance to spend some time with these amazing animals.  Many students who said they were afraid of dogs were able to sit and pet the animals.  The atmosphere in the room was very positive, full of chatter, with lots of cooperation and kindness.  Eastdale is fortunate to be able to participate in this program.  Our visitors (three of whom visited last year) all expressed how much they enjoy coming to Eastdale.  We are hopeful we can establish a regular schedule of visits in the future.