Collage of three photos of FHC students and staff during Mental Health Awareness Week. The first two photos are of FHC students taking part in a craft group activity with FHC staff supervising, and the third photo is of FHC staff and students serving food to FHC students.

Mental health awareness plays a vital role in understanding the significance of mental health and well-being, recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, and promoting the benefits of seeking help. Every year, the Canadian Mental Health Association marks the first full week in May as Mental Health Awareness Week. In support of this initiative, the Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School community promoted mental health awareness during the week of May 12 to 16. During this week, our students had the opportunity to engage in discussions, special events and activities that promote good mental health.

Spearheaded by our school social worker, Ms. Joanne Mazzei, with the support of a guest speaker, Ms. Maria Peixoto, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge in the field of social work and mental health, our Grade 12 students were provided with a classroom presentation focusing on building resilience and self-care.

We want to acknowledge and thank Ms. Mazzei, Ms. Bashford, Ms. Diamantopoulos, and Ms. O’Neil, as well as Grade 12 student leaders Sandy J. and Estelita M. for working together to provide our students with personalized sandwiches and baked cookies, all made on site, during their lunch hour.

Thank you to all of our FHC students and staff for their support and engagement in this year’s Mental Health Awareness week!

Photo of FHC students partaking in a group craft activity during Mental Health Awareness week, along with a staff memberPhoto of FHC students partaking in a group craft activity during Mental Health Awareness weekPhoto of FHC students and staff handing out food to FHC students during lunch hourPhoto of FHC students and staff handing out food to FHC students during lunch hourPhoto of FHC students writing messages for a group craft activityCloseup photo of FHC students writing messages for a group craft activityPhoto of an FHC staff member standing in front of a pair of craft wings made of messages written by FHC studentsPhoto of an FHC student standing in front of a pair of craft wings made of messages written by FHC studentsPhoto of a jenga tower as part of the activities for Mental Health Awareness Week at FHCPhoto of FHC students listening to a presentation on mental health coping strategiesPhoto of FHC students listening to a presentation on mental health coping strategies