We are committed to promoting the mental health and well-being of all students, recognizing that mental health and well-being is the foundation of student success. DSBN staff support student mental health by helping create caring, welcoming schools and by connecting students and families with the supports they may need.
All DSBN staff play a role in supporting student well-being by:
- Creating safe, caring and inclusive learning environments
- Building positive relationships and helping every student feel known, valued and that they belong
- Setting clear and consistent expectations
- Helping students develop the skills they need to regulate, problem-solve, build relationships and engage in learning
- Noticing when students may be struggling, responding with care, and connecting them with additional supports when needed
DSBN also has a Mental Health and Well-Being Team that provides additional and specialized supports for students and helps lead the Board’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.
Through this work, DSBN promotes mental health, strengthens prevention and early intervention, and helps connect students and families with the right supports when they are needed.
Social Workers
Social Work support is available to students in every DSBN school. Social Workers provide specialized support for students experiencing more significant mental health and well-being needs.
Social Workers support may include:
- Working with students and families to understand mental health and well-being needs and develop appropriate support plans
- Providing short-term, evidence-informed therapeutic counselling and intervention
- Collaborating with families, school staff, Youth Counsellors and other professionals to coordinate support
- Connecting students and families with community agencies and longer-term services when needed
- Providing consultation, resources and learning to help school staff support student mental health and well-being
Social Work services are provided in partnership with families. For students under 16, parent/guardian consent is required before services begin.
Youth Counsellors
Youth Counsellor support is available to students across DSBN, with the level and type of support varying based on student and school needs. Some schools and programs have regular access to a Youth Counsellor, while others can access Youth Counsellor support when specific needs arise. This flexible approach allows DSBN to direct additional support where and when it is most needed.
Youth Counsellor support may include:
- Building positive, trusting relationships with students and providing practical, responsive support
- Helping students develop skills in self-regulation, problem-solving, communication and relationships
- Supporting students with challenges that may affect their well-being, engagement and success at school
- Helping students navigate difficult situations, regulate and return to learning
- Collaborating with school staff, Social Workers, families and community supports to help students access the support they need
Families can contact their school principal to learn more about student well-being supports and how to access them.