About the resource
Faith and Wellness: A Daily Mental Health Resource offers a collection of high-quality, everyday mental health practices to enhance students’ social and emotional skills. These practices are rooted in the Catholic Faith and align with the Ontario curriculum, Ontario Catholic School Graduation Expectations (OCSGE) and Kindergarten four frames.
The resource was produced by School Mental Health Ontario and the Ontario English Catholic Teacher’s Association (OECTA). The practices are evidence-informed, and co-created with teachers and school mental health professionals.
I feel that it did help support student’s faith formation. All of [the practices]; there was beautiful ways to connect it to our faith and to all aspects of our Catholic teachings.
– Teacher
Why focus on mental health at school
Teachers play an important role in the lives of students. As trusted and caring adults, teachers are well positioned to help students learn about and care for their mental health.
Positive mental health is foundational to academic achievement, life skills, and overall well-being. The relationships and connections made with students will have a positive impact on student’s mental health now and in the future. Learn more about mental health and the role of schools in Ontario in mental health promotion, prevention and intervention.
There’s so much pressure on teachers to get through the curriculum and to make sure everyone’s needs are being met….[Using the Faith and Wellness Resource] brought to my attention how important this part of learning is, and it gave me the confidence to say, ‘You know what, I am going to take the time to do it because it is that important’.
– Grade 2 Teacher
What is social-emotional learning?
Social-emotional learning (sometimes called SEL) that is culturally responsive helps students to develop the intra- and interpersonal skills they need to flourish throughout their life. When all students in a class or school learn about and practise social and emotional skills, their sense of belonging within the classroom, school and community improves. Everyone tends to communicate in more positive and thoughtful ways, and they show respect for diversity of thought, culture, language, faith, identities and expression. Ensuring all students have a sense of belonging in their school community and classroom is vital for well-being.
Learn more about social-emotional learning.
Share your feedback
We welcome feedback about the resource. If you find practices helpful or have comments that may help us improve, please submit your ideas.