Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

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Mental Health & Well-Being Virtual Sessions & Groups

Sessions for Parents/Guardians

The HDSB is hosting a series of mental health & well-being information sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. These sessions will cover specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians. Each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.

Registration is required as limited spots are available. Register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. Sessions will be held on Google Meet and registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Closed captioning is available on Google Meet in various languages. Sessions will not be recorded. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session.

Upcoming Sessions

Navigating Cell Phone Use and Addictive Behaviours

Date: Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Presenters: Dr. Alex Russell, Ph.D., C.Psych., Clinical Psychologist and author of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement

Description: Parents/guardians of elementary and secondary students are invited to join this informative webinar focused on understanding healthy cell phone use and addressing potentially addictive behaviours. Dr. Russell will provide valuable insights into child and youth development, helping families make thoughtful decisions about managing digital technology at home.

View Past Session Descriptions

Youth and Vaping: What Parents/Guardians Need to Know

Date: Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: This session will be led by Linda Lambert and Brenda Soper Manning, Public Health Nurses in the School Years Program at Halton Region Public Health. Linda and Brenda work to enhance the health of entire school communities by working collaboratively on policies, programs and building environments that prevent substance use/misuse and promote mental health, healthy eating behaviours and access to nutritious food. Joining them in presenting this session will be Brent Coakwell, Systems Principal of Safe Schools for the HDSB and Patricia Clark, Principal of Burlington Central School.

Description: Vaping is a fast-evolving trend. This rapidly changing and innovative product has attracted youth and created an unfortunate pathway to nicotine addiction and other negative health effects. Please join us to hear from Halton Region Public Health about what vaping is, the health risks to youth, youth experience and how parents/guardians can support youth.

Talking to Your Child About Mental Health: How to Recognize Concerns and Offer Support

Date: Tuesday, May 6 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Stephanie Wallace, Manager of Professional Services - Mental Health Lead and Jeremy Baron, Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC)

Description: Join this webinar to explore the importance of having regular conversations about mental health at home. Attendees will gain practical tips for talking about mental health, learn how to build your confidence when speaking with your child and discover ways to recognize signs of a mental health concern. The session will also cover how to support your child at home, where to turn for help and what to do in a mental health emergency.

Emotional Validation, Building Positive Relationships and Managing Conflict

Date: Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenters: Carol Lopez-Droog, School Social Worker and Danielle Chapman, School Social Worker
Description: This presentation will highlight strategies for engaging in emotional validation, fostering positive relationships at home and in school, emphasizing active listening, open communication and respect. Techniques for helping children and youth manage conflict, such as emotional regulation, problem-solving and using “I” statements will also be explored.

Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child: Resource Overview, Relationships and Self-Care

Date: Monday, April 14 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Presenters: Stephanie Wallace, Manager of Professional Services - Mental Health Lead and Jodie Sawyers-Petkovich, Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC)
Description: Join this webinar to explore “By Your Side”, School Mental Health Ontario’s new online resource hub and school toolkit designed to support parents/guardians and caregivers in supporting their children’s well-being. Discover practical strategies to strengthen your relationship with your child and gain valuable insights on prioritizing your own self-care and compassion while supporting others.

Community Partner Sessions

Problem Gaming Awareness & Education Information Session - Presented by ADAPT (Addiction, Drugs and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services)

Date: Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Description: This free presentation is designed for families, loved ones and friends who want to better understand problem gaming, support a loved one struggling with gaming dependency and learn how to maintain boundaries and a healthy balance.

Registration: If you are interested in registering for this presentation, please email Jerico at JericoA@haltonadapt.org or Priya at priyac@haltonadapt.org

Navigating Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens: A Guide for Parents/Guardians

Date: Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Megan Miller, School Social Worker and Shauna Johnston, Mental Health and Addictions Nurse

Description: This informative session aims to support parents/guardians in understanding and navigating the mental health system for their children. We will explore the roles of family doctors, Pediatricians and Psychiatrists, and provide clarity on what to expect from in-patient care, day treatment programs and various therapy options. Learn about available school-based support, community-based services, free online therapy and how to access these vital resources to ensure your child receives the care they need.

Supporting Elementary-Aged Students with Anxiety: Practical Strategies and Interventions

Date: Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Agnes Erazo, HDSB Child and Youth Counsellor and Michelle Burleigh, HDSB Parent

Description: This session will focus on identifying the signs of anxiety and worry in elementary-aged children, practical coping strategies, and ways to provide support and validation for children experiencing these symptoms. We will also explore available community resources and next steps for further support.

Read Aloud Story Time

Date: Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Samara Jeffery and Celina Gillis | HDSB Child and Youth Counsellors

Description: Life can be challenging at times, and we all encounter moments of self-doubt or frustration. Have you ever felt like giving up or believed that something was beyond your abilities? We all get stuck sometimes! Join us for an engaging storytime that introduces the concept of a growth mindset. Designed for young learners (Kindergarten – Grade 3) and their parents/guardians, this interactive session will explore how we can shift from negative thinking to a more positive mindset. Come listen to a story and participate in activities and strategies for you and your child to use together when they get stuck.

Anxiety and Depression - Signs, Symptoms and Where to Get Help

Date: Monday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Crystal Sitzer, School Social Worker and Shauna Johnston, Mental Health and Addictions Nurse

Description: This session will help parents/guardians identify the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in teenagers. We will discuss effective coping strategies and explore available mental health support both in schools and within the community. Gain valuable insights and resources to support your teen’s well-being.

Navigating the Digital World with Your Child

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Lisa Pilgrim, Instructional Program Leader - School Programs Elementary, Halton District School Board

Description: Our children are spending an increasingly greater portion of the day connected to digital spaces. There is much debate about if this is harmful for students or an opportunity to shape their futures. We will spend our time together exploring some of the key misconceptions about the online environment, discussing helpful parenting suggestions, and considering what it means to grow up in a digital world.

Additional sessions will be announced. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Mental Health

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Presenters: Larissa Pipe, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist, and Lisa Sedore, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist

Description: Individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit differences with aspects of social communication relative to their neurotypical peers, which can contribute to higher levels of mental health concerns. In this session, we will explore the connection between ASD and mental health and discuss the unique stressors that can be experienced by adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD. Attendees will learn how they can support their child in navigating these stressors and how they can promote positive mental health and well-being.

*Note: This is a repeated workshop offered last year.

Executive Functioning for Secondary Students (Grade 9-12)

Date: Tuesday, March 19 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Presenters: Larissa Pipe, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist, and Lisa Sedore, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist

Description: Executive functioning relates to one's ability to regulate their own emotions and behaviour, as well as their ability to engage in critical cognitive skills, such as planning, organizing, getting started on something and self-monitoring. These skills are extremely important as they are even more predictive of success in school (and in life, in general) than one's level of intelligence. Weak executive functioning skills can result in higher perceived stress, poorer coping and underachievement. This session will briefly cover what executive functions are, and how they develop through the teen years, with a focus on how parents can support the development of these skills with their students in Grades 9 - 12.

*Note: This is a repeated workshop offered last year.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Date: Tuesday, March 26 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Presenters: Louise Williams and Samara Jeffrey

Description: Every classroom is neurodiverse - because every student will have a different way of thinking, feeling and learning. Neurodivergence can include ASD, ADHD, trauma, OCD and more. It is something that needs to be accepted, supported and celebrated. In this session, we will focus on what neurodiversity is, how it can be best supported and some community supports that are available in Halton. Attendees will learn the importance of this neurodivergent community and how to best support their child to navigate through and share their differences with the world.

How to Access Mental Health Services in Halton with Access and Service Navigation (ASN)

Date: Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Access and Service Navigation (ASN)

Description: Staff from ASN will present information on how to access virtual and in-person services for children, youth and families. ASN staff will share what is available in Halton and how to get the right service at the right time. They will also share who and how school staff and parents/guardians can request support.

Supporting Elementary Students with Anxiety (K-Grade 8): Practical Strategies and Interventions

Date: Tuesday, April 9 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Heather Rajewski and Agnes Erazo

Description: In this session, we will discuss how to identify symptoms of anxiety and worry in elementary-aged students, practical coping strategies including how to support and validate your child experiencing these symptoms, and where to go for next steps including community resources.

How to Identify Youth at Risk of Suicide

Date: Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Presenters: ROCK crisis services

Description: Please join members of ROCK's Crisis Team in discussion about risk factors, warning signs and how to support youth experiencing suicidal ideation or that have been impacted by peer suicide. We will provide information about how to recognize risk and when/where to get help.

Supporting Secondary Students (Grade 9-12) with Anxiety and Depression: Practical Strategies and Interventions

Date: Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Nidhi Bedi and Christine Kluczynski

Description: This presentation will help parents identify the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety among teens. Attendees will learn practical mental health coping strategies including how to support and validate your youth. Information about how to access school and community mental health services will be provided.

Black, Mixed Race and Identity

Date: Thursday, April 11 from 6 - 7 p.m. 

Presenters: Jodie Sawyers-Petkovich

Description: This session will provide a window into our history and discuss being black and mixed race, identity and mental health and how to support children to build their own identity.

Healthy and Unhealthy Stress

Date: Monday, April 15 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Presenters: Larissa Pipe, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist, and Lisa Sedore, M.A., C.Psych., Psychologist.

Description: A certain amount of stress is normal, and even helpful - it gives us the boost of energy we need to feel energized, alert, and engaged in life and its challenges. Stress becomes unhealthy when it remains high for extended periods of time or greatly interferes with daily life. In this session, we will discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress, how to identify when stress is becoming problematic and how to support and build strategies for healthy stress management.

*Note: This is a repeated workshop offered last year.

Storytime and Strategies

Date: Thursday, May 9 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Teresa Gagnon and Celina Gillis

Description: Sometimes worries and big feelings can become overwhelming. By slowing down to breathe, focusing on the present and engaging the senses to connect with nature, we can feel much calmer. Come with your Kindergarten to Grade 5 child(ren) to listen to a story and learn strategies you and your child(ren) can use together.

Future sessions will be shared on this webpage.

Board Office

Halton District School Board
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario, L7P 5A8

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Phone: 905-335-3663
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Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

Sessions for Pa​rents/Guardians

Upcoming Sessions

Sessions for Parents/Guardians