Student Mental Health Matters Every Day
A child’s education is about more than grades, test results and report cards. It is also about confidence, friendships, resilience, emotional well-being and the feeling that there is someone to turn to when life becomes difficult.
Students bring their whole lives into the classroom. They may be dealing with anxiety, bullying, family challenges, learning difficulties, loneliness or pressures that adults do not always see.
When a student is struggling emotionally, it can affect their attendance, concentration, relationships and ability to learn. That is why mental health and student achievement cannot be treated as separate priorities.
As a mother of four, I know how much parents want their children to feel safe, supported and confident in who they are. Every child deserves to know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not something to be embarrassed about.
Schools can play an important role in helping students recognize when they need support, connect with trusted adults and access appropriate resources.
However, teachers and education workers cannot be expected to meet every mental health need without the appropriate training, time and professional support. They are educators, and they also need the resources and partnerships necessary to help students who are struggling.
We need to consider how schools identify concerns early, how students access school-based and community supports, and how families are included when appropriate. We should also pay attention to transitions between elementary and secondary school, when students may face new academic, social and emotional pressures.
Belonging matters. Students who feel excluded, discriminated against or repeatedly targeted by bullying may find it harder to engage in school. That is another reason why safe, inclusive environments are essential to student well-being.
As a candidate for Public School Board Trustee in Newmarket, I believe mental health should be part of ongoing conversations about resources, school culture and student success.
I would want to hear from students, parents and school staff about the supports available, where gaps remain and how the board can work with community partners to strengthen services.
We also need to recognize the importance of prevention. Teaching empathy, encouraging healthy relationships, responding to bullying and helping students feel connected to their school community can all contribute to a more supportive environment.
No single policy can solve every challenge, and school boards cannot replace the broader health and community services that many families need. But schools and trustees can play an important role in advocating for student well-being and ensuring that available resources are used thoughtfully.
Every child deserves to be seen as a person, not just a student number or a mark on a report card.
When we care for students’ well-being, we help create the conditions they need to learn, grow and succeed.
Darlene Morrison
Candidate for Public School Board Trustee, Newmarket