Mental Health and Culture Building

 

We believe that when students feel safe and settled in their lives they have the ability to learn with ease. Through out the year our staff and students plan various opportunities for students to grow in their wellness. This page is dedicated to explaining some of the programming as well as informational items.

Wellness, which refers to the state of being in good health, both physically and mentally, is essential for students. Students are often under a great deal of stress, whether it be from academic pressure, social challenges, or other personal struggles. Incorporating wellness practices into their daily routines can help them manage stress and improve their overall health and well-being. Here are some reasons why wellness is important for students:

1. Better Academic Performance
   1. Students who prioritize their physical and mental health tend to perform better academically. By engaging in activities like regular exercise, healthy eating, and meditation, students can improve their focus, concentration, and memory retention. This can lead to better academic performance and overall success in school.

2. Improved Mental Health
   1. High School can be a stressful time for students, and prioritizing wellness can help them manage that stress. Engaging in practices like mindfulness, yoga, and therapy can help students reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve their mood, and increase their overall sense of well-being.

3. Increased Energy and Stamina
   1. Wellness practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can help students feel more energized and have more stamina throughout the day. This can lead to improved performance in academics, extracurricular activities, and work.

4. Better Time Management
   1. Incorporating wellness practices into their daily routines can help students better manage their time. By prioritizing activities like exercise and healthy eating, students can learn to better manage their time and prioritize their daily tasks. This can help them become more productive and efficient in their academic and personal lives.

5. Improved Relationships
   1. Wellness practices can also help students build better relationships with others. By prioritizing self-care and mental health, students can better understand their own emotions and be more empathetic and understanding towards others. This can lead to stronger relationships with friends, family, and classmates.

For more information on Guidance Counsellor and Learning Support, please click their pages.

Wellness Summit March 5, 2025!

Learn More and Register Here!

Class Connect Wellness Sessions

Our class presentations are held largely by RVS employees. The presentations will always be communicated out ahead of time. All presentations are optional for students to attend.

 

Upcoming 2025 Wellness Sessions

Jan 15: Exam Stress and Success - Exams don’t have to be overwhelming! In this session, you’ll learn practical tips to prepare and stay calm during exam season. From planning ahead one month before to staying focused on exam day—and even handling what comes after—we’ve got you covered. Join us to build your confidence and ace your exams with less stress!

Feb 5: Friends Supporting Friends - Supporting a friend with mental health challenges can be tough—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this session, you’ll learn how to start meaningful conversations, recognize when it’s time to ask for extra help, and care for your own mental health while helping others. Join us to build the skills to support your friends and yourself!

Apr 9: Food and Your Mood - Did you know what you eat can affect how you feel? This session explores the connection between nutrition and mood, including the effects of sugar and caffeine on your energy and emotions. Learn how to make simple, healthy food choices to boost your mental health and feel your best every day. Small changes can lead to big results—join us to find out how!

Apr 30: Detoxify Your Feed - What you see online shapes how you feel about yourself and the world around you. In this session, we’ll explore how social media and other online content can impact your mental health. Learn how to reflect on what you’re consuming and practice simple strategies to create a digital space that supports your well-being. Your feed, your rules—let’s make it work for you!

May 14: Changing Avoidance Patterns - Do you ever put off things that feel overwhelming? Avoidance might seem like an easy way out, but it can lead to stress and unhealthy habits over time. In this session, you’ll learn why avoidance happens and how to spot it in your own life. We’ll practice simple, manageable steps to help you face challenges head-on and feel more in control. Take the first step toward breaking the cycle—join us!

June 11: Summer Self-Care - Summer is here and it’s time for some fun in the sun! But summertime isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. What happens when you’re having a rough day and all of your usual supports are on summer break? Join us for this conversation on the importance of taking care of yourself and how to set up a summer self-care plan, complete with community resources that are open outside of the usual school year. 

 

Connect Class and Student Advisor

Connect Class occurs every Wednesday at 9:30 am. This is where students meet weekly to connect to their teachers and classmates. We have mental health speakers, class announcements, celebrations, administration, school assemblies, and more during this time. Students who do not attend this class will feel disconnected from school. This is where a large portion of cultural connection occurs.  

The teacher is also the student's advisor.  Any questions they may have about the school are to be filtered to them.