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We don’t provide mental health advice, counselling, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your local community crisis team. You can also reach out to the Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310, the Black Youth Helpline 1-833-294-8650, or Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.

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Supporting the Mental Health of Newcomer Students at School

This info sheet provides suggestions and reflection questions to help school leaders and staff create identity-affirming environments that support the mental health of students who are newcomers to Canada

A welcoming school climate and support from caring adults at school are both independently related to better emotional health in newcomer students (Emerson, Gagne Petteni, & Guhn, 2022). The resource proposes suggestions: 

  • for creating welcoming school environments for newcomer students  
  • to identify when a student may need more support with their mental health 
  • to provide ongoing support when a student is struggling 

How might I use this tool?  

The information and reflection questions in this info sheet could be used during a PD Day, a staff meeting, or a family of schools meeting to increase dialogue and help enhance capacity around supporting newcomer well-being in schools.