Aprill 2016 - In This Issue of the Durham Catholic School Board's Celebrating Student Success Newsletter:
How to Promote Mental Health in Children and Youth
 
To promote mental health in children and youth, we can:

  1. Be positive role models. Children need to see us express our feelings, talk over a problem with our partner, or see things from someone else's point of view.
     
  2. Promote a healthy lifestyle. Give healthy food, make sure children and youth get enough sleep and exercise.
     
  3. Ask children and youth how their day went. Let them know when they've done something well (like trying hard, being patient or kind, or getting better at something). Focus on the effort, not always the result. If something is bothering or stressing them, ask if they need help to solve the problem.
     
  4. Ask children and youth how they're feeling about things. Some children may not know how to express themselves. Help them with language to "name" and express feelings ("Oh, that must have been frustrating to have to wait so long...")
     
  5. Help them see things from another's point of view. Children need to see us do this ("My boss was in a really bad mood today, but she's been going through a rough time caring for her mother.")
     
  6. Teach children how to reach out to others when they need help and support.
     
  7. Always take children's concerns and worries seriously. Children and youth may believe that their feelings don't matter if we dismiss their feelings.
     
  8. Spend positive time with them, to build a good, trusting relationship.
     
  9. Help them face stress, and cope with it, but in a positive way.
     
  10.  Have appropriate expectations, limits and consequences for behaviour. 


  Source: Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

 
  
Parish and Community Connections  
 
Opening the Doors of Mercy 
 
Secondary students across the Durham Catholic District School Board recently shared how they are opening the Doors of Mercy and helping others in our local communities. This two minute video was shared with Ontario Catholic School's Trustee Association (OCSTA )and will be included in a video being created for the province wide secondary school mass taking place during Catholic Education week (May 1 to 6).

Watch the video and learn how our Durham Catholic secondary students are opening the Doors of Mercy.

Students are Opening the Doors of Mercy at the Durham Catholic District School Board
Above: Students are Opening the Doors of Mercy at the Durham Catholic District School Board

 
Experiential Learning

It is never too Early for Robotics
 
As the saying goes "it is never too early to learn". The primary students at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School reflect this as they explore the curriculum. The use of robotics is one of the tools provided by their teacher, Hillary Rogers, to support the lessons. Robotics fosters engagement and collaboration as students research, build and program robots, while learning about Structures, Measurement and developing Reading, Writing, and Media Literacy skills.
 
On April 20, 2016 the students at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School will participate in a Robotics showcase at St. Patrick Catholic School. The theme for this gathering is Waste Wise. The students will present what they have learned about waste management and what it means to be Waste Wise.


Student Success is thriving at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
  
Sixteen students are flourishing in a new Grade 10 Crafts Course at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School.
Students working on a craft.
Above: Students work on a craft at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School.
  
Students from Grades 9 to 12 have been creating a variety of projects including pottery, soft sculpture, working with wood to create drums and making masks and cards. Students have acquired routines that involves creating goals, setting up material and construction areas; plus establishing storage and clean up routines.
  
Most importantly, students are able to clearly see an end product for their efforts and have applied a dedication to their hands-on creations that has surpassed many expectations. While a few of the students with exceptional needs are not working for credit, all students collaborate together and the majority are meeting expectations.
  
This course was initiated by Kirstie Scullion, a Program Support Teacher at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. The course offers students of all abilities more opportunities to learn, grow and succeed in our high school settings.
  
As part of the course's culminating task, students are organizing a Craft Show and Sale to take place on Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 16 at the local high school's community gathering spot known as 'La Place'.
  
The Craft Show & Sale will be open to the public for afternoon cookies and tea, Wednesday, June 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Stop by and see our students' beautiful craft items or do a little shopping. It's a great opportunity to pick up some thank you gifts or something special for graduation.  All are welcome - we hope to see you there.

   Student playing a drum
Above: Two Austin students play the drums they created in Craft class.

Exploring Pathways

Students discover Career Opportunities in Skilled Trades
On Friday, April 1, nearly 200 students and educators from the Durham Catholic District School Board and Durham District School Board came together to learn more about programs and opportunities that are available for students interested in Skilled Trades.  
Female student demonstrates latest hair style trends while adult male vice principal watches
Above: Student Natoya Cambell demonstrates the latest hairstyling trends and techniques she's learning as part of the OYAP Hairstylist Program.

Natoya Campbell, an All Saints Catholic Secondary School student is enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program's (OYAP) Hairstylist Program. Natoya 
demonstrates the latest trends and techniques in hairstyling as John Di Ianni, Vice-Principal from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School looks on.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016-17 OYAP Programs, please visit the
Co-op Education and/or Guidance Department at your local school for more details.

   
Student Voice

Students Trustees encourage fellow Students to become Trustees

Ciara Casalino and Jordan Samaroo, Student Trustees at the Durham Catholic District School Board are encouraging Grade 10 and 11 students to apply for the 2016 - 2017 Student Trustees positions. Each year, the Board's Student Senators select a male and  female student to fill the roles of Student Trustees. 
 
Watch the video below to learn how you can become a voice for Durham Catholic students. 
 
Durham Catholic Student Trustees Election 2016-2017
Durham Catholic Student Trustees Election 2016-2017
 
At the Durham Catholic District School Board, we believe that all students can be successful, that success comes in many forms, and that there are many pathways to success. If you have a story idea for an upcoming newsletter, please email your story for consideration to [email protected].

How can you stop receiving email from us?
Simply click the link at the bottom of any future email we send you to instantly and securely unsubscribe. If you do not confirm your subscription, you will not receive any future emails from us.