UGDSB SHSM students receive new certifications in Health and Wellness
November 30, 2018
GUELPH, Ontario – On November 28, 75 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Health and Wellness students from across the Upper Grand District School Board met at the Hanlon Convention Centre in Guelph to participate in a certification day.
This certification day was a one-of-a-kind SHSM day focused on workplace wellness. Starting the day off, students had the chance to meet with exhibitors from the YMCA National Youth Exchange Program, the People and Information Network in Guelph, the College of Massage, the University of Guelph and Conestoga College.
Students rotated between three workshops during the day, where they learned about and received certifications in stress management techniques, customer service and communication strategies, and mental health awareness. As a bonus to the workshops, students had the chance to participate in a ‘Lunch and Launch’ for the Thrive in the Workplace app. This app provides training in workplace wellness topics for young employees in Ontario.
The event featured several guest speakers including Jessica Schumacher, the Youth Engagement Facilitator at the Canadian Mental Health Association Guelph. Schumacher lead students through some exercises for goal setting and prioritizing, to help them manage stress from school and work.
Students also heard from Christy Munro from the La Luma Academy Salon. Munro spoke about self-awareness and discovering personal motivators.
Lastly, students heard from Sarah Stewart, a registered Social Worker, certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and the owner of Open Minds Mental Health. Stewart challenged students to think about the importance of wellbeing and how work and school can affect mental health and wellness.
Categories: Spotlight On Schools Tags: Experiential Learning • SHSM