This is a friendly reminder that on Tuesday, October 22nd by 4:00 pm, we will post our first Progress Reports of the year on the School Portal, and an email will be sent to parents and students informing everyone that they are available. That email will also contain instructions on how to register for our Fall Parent–Teacher Learning Conferences. They will be held virtually on Tuesday, October 29th from 4:00–8:00 pm and Monday, November 4th from 4:00–8:00 pm.

Please note that registration will OPEN on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:00 pm and will CLOSE on October 27th at 6:00 pm.

With fall in full swing and the reality of the academic year setting in, the Personal Counselling Department has compiled a list of ways parents and guardians can support their students' mental health. As counsellors, we witness firsthand the challenges students face daily — whether it's academic pressure, social dynamics, or personal growth. Mental health is vital to students’ overall success, and as parents, you play a key role in creating a supportive environment. Here are ten ways you can help support your teen's mental health:

Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen without judgment. Your willingness to engage helps them feel supported.

Balance between academics, extracurriculars, social time, and rest is key to preventing burnout. Encourage your teen to participate in activities they enjoy and connect with friends while maintaining enough downtime to recharge.

Sleep is crucial for mental health. Ensure your teen is getting eight to ten hours of sleep per night, which is essential for mood regulation, cognitive function, and emotional equilibrium.

Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact mental well-being. Set boundaries around device use, especially before bed, and encourage regular screen breaks. This is so much easier said than done, and we encourage you to have open-ended, curious conversations with your students about how they are using technology. 

Equip your child with tools to manage stress, like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or physical activity. Model these behaviours so they see that stress management is a lifelong skill.

Keep an eye out for changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or academic decline, which could signal your child is struggling. Address these changes early by checking in and offering support.

Social connections are vital during adolescence. Encourage your teen to develop friendships with positive influences. If they’re facing peer pressure or difficult social dynamics, guide them on how to handle it.

Let your teen know it’s okay to seek help. Normalize discussing mental health by talking openly about emotions and the importance of mental wellness. This reduces stigma and empowers them to seek help when needed. If appropriate, share your own journey with mental health.

Your behaviours set an example. Show your teen the importance of self-care, balancing work and personal life, and managing stress in healthy ways. When they see you take care of your mental health, they’re more likely to do the same.

Supporting your teen’s mental health is a team effort, and your role as a parent is incredibly valuable. If you have concerns or need further resources, please don’t hesitate to contact the Personal Counselling Department. Our goal is to help students feel connected, gain self-awareness, and develop strategies to manage the challenges of daily life. You can find your student’s Personal Counsellor by Advisor on this list.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your student’s Personal Counsellor:

 

 

Together, we can help our students thrive!