CWDHS students focus on wellness at ‘My Best Self’ event
October 1, 2018
FERGUS, Ontario – This fall, Grade 10 students at Centre Wellington District High School had the chance to focus on their well-being at a first of its kind event held at the high school.
The “My Best Self” event allowed grade 10 students to spend the afternoon exploring a new activity, being creative, relieving some stress, enjoying time with their peers, and making connections with caring adults in the school and community.
The event was organized by the school’s Mental Wellness Committee. The committee is a group of teachers, administrators and parents who are committed to supporting the well-being of the CWDHS school community, with a particular focus on mental wellness.
At the beginning of the event, Grade 10 students listened to guest speaker Myrna Hutchison from Get In Touch for Hutch, a local organization that brings awareness to mental health education and supports. While addressing the group, Myrna presented the school with a “Buddy Bench,” a place for students to sit and support one another with friendship. Myrna also spoke about the importance of self-care and caring for one another.
Students then attended two pre-selected workshops in the afternoon. Students had a range of workshop options, each selection purposeful in that it was an activity that related to the betterment of a person’s well-being.
Sessions were led by community members, CWDHS alumni and teachers from the school:
- Yoga and meditation with Meredith Ballaban from Alchemy Studio
- Sewing dream pouches with Steph Toohill from the Elora Centre for the Arts
- Drawing and painting portraits with Meredith Blackmore from StudioHere
- Photography with Ashton Martin, a CWDHS alumni
- Learn to play lacrosse with CWDHS alumni Craig England
- Get sweaty with forge with Amanda Voisin of Forge Fitness
- Ball hockey with CWDHS teacher Brett Turner
- Zumba with Nerine Christie from Alchemy Studio
- West African drum circle with CWDHS teacher Brett Girvin
- Game time with Evelyn and Eleanor from Jester’s Fun Factory
- Mini manicure and hand massage with CWHDS teacher Jenni Kumagai
- Paws for a cause with Claire Rooney from the Guelph Humane Society
In addition to the workshops, students also chose to help with a car wash, with funds raised going to Get In Touch for Hutch.
The CWDHS Mental Wellness Committee said they were very grateful for the community volunteers that gave their time and expertise so generously, and also thanked Get In Touch for Hutch and the CWDHS Parent Council for their support of this event.
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