The HDSB is hosting two Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians on Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30 to discuss parent, child and youth mental health and well-being, ways in which parents/guardians can support their children and resources available for youth and families. Each session will feature four panelists (parents, mental health experts, HDSB school social workers and community partners) who will share their experiences of parenting during COVID-19 and provide helpful information and resources.

The information session on Monday, March 29 is intended for parents/guardians of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8) and the session on Tuesday, March 30 is for parents/guardians of secondary students (Grade 9 - 12).

• Elementary Session: Monday, March 29 from 7 - 8:15 p.m. at www.hdsb.ca

• Secondary Session: Tuesday, March 30 from 7 - 8:15 p.m. at www.hdsb.ca

These sessions will help parents/guardians learn about:

• How the pandemic may be impacting you and your child’s mental health and well-being

• Coping and well-being strategies for you and your children to support better mental health and well-being

• Resources and support available through your child’s school and within the community

How to watch the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions: The sessions will be livestreamed through the HDSB YouTube channel. Visit www.hdsb.ca at 7 p.m. on March 29 and/or March 30 to tune in. Registration is not required. Each session will be recorded and available on the HDSB YouTube channel following the event. Closed captioning will be available in the recorded version but will not be available during the livestream.

The HDSB is conducting a Student Census throughout the winter of 2021 as required by the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan. Students in Grade 4 - 12 will complete the electronic census independently during provided class time. For students in Kindergarten to Grade 3, parent(s)/guardian(s) will complete the census on behalf of their child.

It is important that the Student Census reflects the voices of all students, therefore the more responses we receive, the more effective the data will be to help inform and improve programming and learning environments. The Student Census is voluntary and students and parents/guardians can skip any question they do not want to answer. If you have concerns about your child’s participation, please email studentcensus@hdsb.ca.

For additional information, please view the recording of the virtual HDSB Student Census Information Session held on Dec. 8, 2020 as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Student Census webpage for detailed information.

Healthy Student Snack Bags - Halton Food for Thought

When we feed students nutritious food, we are offering them their best chance for success. We want students to reach their full potential and lead healthy, active lives.

Halton Food for Thought, in partnership with Food for Life, is providing Halton Elementary and Secondary students, nutritious food to fuel their learning, whether they are learning in school or from home!

Weekly HFFT Healthy Student Snack Bags:

• Consist of a minimum of 3 healthy snacks per student per school day,

• Include both perishable and non-perishable foods i.e., fresh fruit, granola bar, yogurt.

• Are universal in nature,

• no fee or registration required.

For more information including a list of HFFT Healthy Snack Bag distribution locations CLICK HERE.

More than ever, Halton students need access to nutritious food to fuel a full day of learning.

Together we #FeedTheirFuture!

To help support student success, please consider volunteering with, or donating to Halton Food for Thought.