ACT for Schools Pilot – 3 day Training – Feb 4, 2026, Feb 18 & April 9
Invitation to boards to participate in the revised ACT for Schools pilot
SMH-ON is seeking SMHPs and their managers from six English school boards and two French school boards to participate in the revised ACT for Schools Pilot. There is 3 days of training. Staff who participated in the first ACT pilot, or those new to ACT are invited to express interest in participating in this pilot. Resources will be available in both English and French; however, the training sessions will be offered in English only.
ACT for Schools is a protocol designed for intermediate and secondary students, delivered within a school setting. Its goal is to empower students to identify what gives their lives meaning and purpose and to take steps toward building that life. Grounded in compassion and authentic connection, ACT for Schools encourages students to notice and experience their emotions, whether pleasant or painful, without judgment. The protocol uses experiential learning activities and emphasizes responding to the unique needs, values, and perspectives of each student. At its core, ACT for Schools is flexible and student-centered, supporting staff to tailor interventions to the individual in front of them.
Dates:
Day 1: February 4, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Day 2: February 18, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Day 3: April 9, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Audience:
Mental Health Leaders:
Manager of clinical or mental health services , Manager of psychology services , Manager of social work services , Mental health leader
School Mental Health Professionals:
Mental health clinician / counsellor, Occupational therapist, Psychological associate , Psychologist , Psychotherapist , Social worker
Please contact Michelle Bates (mbates@smho-smso.ca) to express interest in the Act for Schools pilot. Upon school board selection, an Eventbrite registration link will be forwarded to MHLs to share with participating SMHPs.
Language:
This session will be delivered in English. Materials, breakout rooms, etc. will be available in French and English.
For more information or to register, contact your school board’s mental health leader.