What is the HDSB Mental Health and Well-being Student Advisory Committee?
The committee's purpose is to centre the experiences and perspectives of students within the
HDSB Mental Health Strategy and the
Multi-Year Plan through fostering dialogue regarding mental health issues that commonly affect HDSB students. The committee will be responsive to the evolving needs and wants of HDSB students by discussing gaps and emerging issues related to student mental health and wellness. With a specific directive to advocate for ample expansion, standardisation, and accessibility of student mental health resources, the HDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee will articulate student concerns and develop recommendations to guide the HDSB Mental Health Yearly Action Plan, all while engaging with opportunities for mental health-related education to address the stigma surrounding mental health in the HDSB.
The committee is
entirely student-led; students lead the discussions, collectively decide on what issues they would like to focus on and engage in regular communication with the board to support committee goals. However, both board, teaching, and admin staff will be present at meetings and engaged in the work of the committee.
Interested in being part of the Mental Health and Well-being Student Advisory Committee?
The leadership of the current committee selects students from each school through an application process for the next school year. Eligible students in Grade 7 to 12 will receive communication via email alongside social media promotions about the application process. The application process will begin during the last few weeks of September and the first few weeks of October.
To ensure representation on the committee, three elementary and three secondary student representative(s) will be chosen from each region (North, East, West) across the HDSB.
If you have any questions, please email the Mental Health and Well-being Student Advisory Committee Co-Chairs or HDSB Student Trustees:
Rachel Bresnahan (Co-Chair)
Hannah Menhel (Co-Chair)
Zainab Hussain (Co-Chair)
Kaitlyn Hou (Student Trustee)
Charlie Ochu (Student Trustee)