Peel District School Board Erin Mills Middle School

3546 S Common Crt, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 2B1 Tel: 905-820-9777 Fax: 905-820-1741 http://schools.peelschools.org/1324

January 2020 Newsletter

Maria Kalantzakos Principal Iona Newman-Jobity Vice-Principal Jasminka Pavlovic Office Manager Nina Jaiswal Superintendent Brad Macdonald Trustee Transportation www.stopr.ca 905-890-6000 Safe Arrival Parent Portal at pdsb.schoolconnects.com instagram@erinmillsms

Message from the Administration Team

Happy New Years! 2020 is a new decade of well wishes and accomplishments to be achieved by all.

At the school level, we have had wonderful conversations with students, parents and staff about next steps, successes and goals. The interesting point here is some measures that students and parents believe we measure children in schools: standardized tests, essays, multiple choice exams, observations, anecdotal etc., but these are not the only true measure of whether someone will succeed, be happy, and contribute later on. They don't measure creativity, resiliency, character, or executive function -- which are all far better measures of a successful life than traditional rubrics. We do talk with our students about success in the past, present and future. We will continue to recognize our students throughout the next 6 months with personalized written notes sent to each student per month. This act we have found has put smiles on the faces of students while building strong trusting relations - they feel that they truly matter. Along the same lines, we have heard from many students that they would like an anonymous way to let the admin team know their thoughts on school improvement, positives and issues they observe at school. Stay tuned through announcements more information on this email option to communicate with us 24/7 per week.

Term2, we may challenge the students with some non- traditional forms of grading. They may be getting only feedback without a mark. This won’t come to the surprise of the students, as they understand the Learning intention of the lesson, build the success criteria together with the teacher and be given an opportunity to make their assessment piece better is where depth of understanding happens - magic.

We look forward with great anticipation to see what our students aspire to and achieve in 2020!

Please take some time to review the newsletter with all of our exciting happenings and events to come.

EMMS Healthy Breakfast and Snack Program

The Morning Morsel and Healthy Snack programs have been

running at our school successfully. The food the children

receive includes the required servings from Canada’s Food

Guide with the emphasis on fresh fruit, dairy and grains. Many

children arrive at school each day without any food to sustain

them an entire school day. One in five children in Canada are

deemed ‘hungry’ defined as lacking foods vital to their physical

and emotional development. We know once healthy food is

provided, a child’s world changes. They become more alert,

able to concentrate, improve socially, physically and

academically. This program is vital to our school community.

As outlined in the program guidelines, parents must be given the opportunity to donate

funds. At this time, we are asking for parental contributions to help support our

program. Parents, guardians and members of the community can donate to EMMS

Healthy Breakfast and Snack Program online by visiting our school cash online site. We

are also accepting food donations such as fruits, vegetables and boxes of plain

Cheerio. These items can be dropped off in the main office any time during school

hours.

Thank you for your continued support of our program. If you have any questions, please

do not hesitate to call the school (905-820-9777) and speak to the admin team.

Mark your calendar…..

Date Event

Jan. 13th School Council Meeting @ 6pm

Jan. 15th Brave Education Grade 7 classes

Jan. 20th P.A Day

School Council Our 2019-2020 School Council is as follows:

Chair/Co-Chair Falen Salloum - Chair Nathalie Laliberte - Co-Chair

Secretary Erica McBride

Teacher Rep Paul Marcanio

School Admin Team Maria Kalintzakos (Principal) Iona Newman-Jobity (Vice Principal)

Treasure/Co-Treasure Nathalie Laliberte

Non teaching staff Member

Community Rep

If you have some time to spare, then please attend our next school council meeting on

January 13th, 2020 in the library at 6pm.

If you would like more information about school council or have questions that you would

like answered at the next meeting, please contact your school council reps at

erinmillsms.coinil@peelsb.com.

Dates for upcoming meetings: Jan. 13th, Feb. 24th, April 6th, May 11th

Celebrating Faith and Culture

January 2020

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

Month of January Spirit Moon Indigenous Worldview (First Nations)

December 31 to January 1 Ghambar Maidyarem Zoroastrianism January 1 Temple Day Buddhism

January 1 and 14 (J) New Year’s Day Christianity and Canada

January 1 Gantan-sai Shinto January 2 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Buddhism January 5 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism

January 6 and 19 (J) Epiphany or Feast of Theophany Christianity

January 7 (J) Christmas Christianity

January 10 Mahayana New Year Buddhism January 13 Lohri Hinduism January 13 Seijin-no-hi Shinto January 13 Maghi Sikhism January 14 Makar Sankranti Hinduism January 19 World Religion Day Bahá'í January 19 to February 6 Month of Sultán Bahá'í January 25 Lunar New Year/Maitreya

Bodhisattva’s Birthday Buddhism

January 29 Vasant Panchami Hinduism

Reminders

Hot Lunch reminder: Lunch Box: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Pizza Nova: Tuesdays and Thursdays The goal is to provide a "Lunch Program" that allows a student to buy a hot and healthy lunch at school. Our lunch program will meet the Ministry Food & Beverage Policy guidelines. If busses are cancelled then lunches will not be delivered for that day (ie Snow Days ) credit will be applied. To support a safe climate, students are strongly encouraged NOT to go off school campus to South Common Mall or South Common CC during their lunch time. All 3 areas will ask student to exit their premises promptly during our lunch break. Please let us know how we can help if an emergency comes up and your child(ren) do not have lunch. We are here to help anytime.

Students with Medical Needs

All students who have a medical condition must alert the school immediately. Contacting the school at the beginning of the year alerts us to the condition and allows us to update our data. In cases where the condition is serious or requires medication to be kept at school, two forms will be sent home. The first allows us to keep the medication at school and second outlines the steps that the school will need to take in the event of an

emergency. Both will need to be signed by a doctor.

ALL students who require an EPi-Pens/Puffers will be required to wear them throughout the day in a fanny pack. Any student that does not have the EPi-Pen and/or Puffer on them will be asked to call home and one must be brought to the school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms NJ. Prescribed Medication In the event that your family doctor prescribes medication for your child at some time throughout the school year, a form must be taken to the doctor to be complete before we are able to give medication at school. Pls see the office for the prescribed medication form if needed. All medications must be kept at the office and students should not have medication in their locker or backpack. Students are NOT to self-administer medication for safety reasons.

Student Safety and Teacher Supervision At EMMS, teacher supervision begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Students are encouraged to plan their morning routine around this arrival time and to leave school promptly at dismissal time so that we can be certain of their safety. At the end of the school day, staff is on duty until 2:25 p.m. to assist students with boarding the buses and to see that they are on their way home. Students and their families should review their routines for entry and dismissal and talk about a contingency plan should unusual circumstances occur. Students should go directly to the office for help should they miss their bus. We appreciate the many families who update us with their current phone numbers for home, work, cell phones and emergency contact so that the office may help students when needed. Important Kiss'n Ride Reminders - When picking up your child(ren), please find a parking spot and have your child(ren) meet you there. Parents and/or Guardians are using the bus lane as parking while waiting to pick up. This causes a delay for the busses to leave resulting in drop off times to be off and also the remainder of the runs for the afternoon. The staff on duty will ensure that all cars in the bus lane park in the parking spots.

Safe Arrival/Attendance at School - Accountability Step

All students are expected to attend school regularly. Students should be in line, ready to enter

the building at 8:05 a.m. for morning entry and 11:40 p.m. for lunch entry. If your child will be

late or absent from school, please contact the School Messenger at 1-855-209-6155 or

go.schoolmessenger.ca or download the School Messenger mobile app for Apple and Android

users. This line is dedicated to messages regarding late or absent students and is available 24

hours a day. When children return to school after an absence, they are responsible for

connecting with their homeroom teacher and their rotary teachers to catch up with any missed

work or assignments. All classrooms have a section of the blackboard devoted to homework

and assignment due dates and routines students follow when absent. Students that are late

must have a note from a parent explaining the reason for being late. The conversations will

begin with the students, then families and may result is additional supports becoming involved

to ensure that the lates and/or absences are being addressed.

Dress Code at EMMS

At EMMS, students are asked to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves

and others.

Students are expected to wear:

✔ Shirts that cover their entire torso and undergarments

✔ Shorts/skirts of a suitable length (i.e. when a student’s arms are by their sides the

shorts/skirts should touch their middle finger with no undergarments showing as students use

stairs

✔ Tee shirts without questionable messages/logos/ captions

✔ Outdoor wear (gloves, hats, scarves, boots etc.) are not to be worn indoors; it important to

have 2 pairs of shoes at all times at school

Please refer to the student agenda for any additional information. Inappropriately dressed

students will call home to have a parent/guardian bring a change of clothing or wear a clean t-

shirt provided by the admin team.

Visual Art Erin Mills

Our students continue to grapple with some challenging themes in the art program as we journey on to

make an even bigger impact on the community around us. Our focus for this year is “WORLD CURIOUS,

ERIN MILLS PROUD”. We began by going inwards by developing a sense of self, style and voice. The

grade 8’s with Mr. Hines created collages of themselves considering their many layers. The grade 6’s

also started to gaze inwards by creating self-portraits while learning the colour theory and techniques of

watercolour. Our 6’s then ventured out of their comfort zone to intentionally trade cards with other

grade 6’s from other classes. Students began to look at their natural surroundings outdoor and came to

appreciate the beauty of the fall season with creative photos! As they refined who they were they then

began to tackle some challenging themes in the month of December. Mr. Morgan’s art class was

thoroughly engaged in discussions around social justice and are analysing posters created by the graphic

design team Unlearn. These Unlearn posters are being used provoke intentional conversations, and

students in all grades are creating their own Unlearn style posters that address issues they see in the

world around them. While in Mr. Hines’ class our grades 7 and 8 students were responding to ideas of

privilege, hate, and justice by creating digital picture book. Not My Idea, is the picture book being

used for making real connections within a timely cultural context. As we look ahead, outside of

ourselves and locally we hope to get greeting cards into the hands of those who could use a

little more dignity. We hope to leave these cards made by our students in our community library,

community centre, and our shopping mall for those who could use them as an exchange for a

few cents. Both art classes will be taking a closer look at “walking in other people’s shoes”. We

have some exciting things planned ahead which will have a more multi-dimensional feel, so stay

tuned!

THINGS THAT WE MAY NEED!

Please take some time and set aside any of the following items you may no longer need that

perhaps we can use:

-Gently used plastic toys

-newspapers (lots!)

*A reminder to all Visual Art students to please get a sketchbook to bring with you to all your

classes.

**Our Visual Art Google Class Code is vlk2n6

Visit us on Instagram @arterinmills.

News from the Departments and Clubs ...

Music

Music Department News Jan 2020

What an end to the year! Our bands and music classes were very busy preparing for the Winter Concert and

class performances. You could hear the music in the hallways.

Winter Concert: “Sounds of the Season”

On Thursday, December 5th, the Grades 7 and 8 Bands performed in our annual Winter Concert. The bands

performed their pieces well. The concert also featured many small ensembles and a vocal solo by Jahnoyah

Campbell. A big congratulations to all of the musicians!! Your hard work paid off. Thank-you for a wonderful

evening of music! Thank you to Ayesha (8TM) and Nasteha (8CD) for handling the emcee duties eloquently

and confidently. Thank you to Andrew, Mahmood (8 CG) and Alen (8 CD) for ensuring that the technical

aspect, such as lighting and sound, ran well.

A special thank you goes to:

★ Ms. Recoskie, Ms. Gillis for supervising the band warm up rooms

★ Mrs. Newton and Mrs. Lynch for handling the programs and greeting parents

★ Ms. Harris for her help with parking

★ Ms. Kalantzakos and Ms. Newman-Jobity for their support of the music program

Rehearsal schedule: Grade 6 Band-Tuesdays 7:00-7:50 a.m. (our first rehearsal will be Tuesday January 21st ) Grade 7 Band-Wednesdays 7:00-7:50 a.m. (next rehearsal will be Wednesday Jan 22nd) Grade 8 Band- Thursdays 2:20-3:30 p.m. (next rehearsal will be Thursday Jan 23rd) *please pay for music shirt through school cash online and return your music shirt form a.s.a.p. The Grade 6 Instrumental classes continue to progress and have learned 5 notes. They performed a duet with a partner in class and are learning how to play our first piece band music “Beethoven’s Ninth.” Our first Grade Six Band rehearsal will be Tuesday January 21st at 7:00 a.m. Please continue to refer to the Grade 6 Instrumental Google Classroom for updates and reminders. Media Arts Music Classes Media Arts music classes are learning to apply the elements of music (e.g., rhythm, tempo) through composition. 8 CG, 8 SW and 8 CD have created performances in the style of “Stomp.” The students collaborated, created rhythms using found sound (e.g., stomping, water bottles). The creativity was amazing and the students worked hard to plan, create, revise and perform their presentation. Keep up the great work!

We wish you a very happy new year!

Visual Art Erin Mills

Our students continue to grapple with some challenging themes in the art program as we journey on to make an even

bigger impact on the community around us. Our focus for this year is “WORLD CURIOUS, ERIN MILLS PROUD”. We

began by going inwards by developing a sense of self, style and voice. The grade 8’s with Mr. Hines created collages of

themselves considering their many layers. The grade 6’s also started to gaze inwards by creating self-portraits while

learning the colour theory and techniques of watercolour. Our 6’s then ventured out of their comfort zone to

intentionally trade cards with other grade 6’s from other classes. Students began to look at their natural surroundings

outdoor and came to appreciate the beauty of the fall season with creative photos! As they refined who they were they

then began to tackle some challenging themes in the month of December. Mr. Morgan’s art class was thoroughly

engaged in discussions around social justice and are analysing posters created by the graphic design team Unlearn.

These Unlearn posters are being used provoke intentional conversations, and students in all grades are creating their

own Unlearn style posters that address issues they see in the world around them. While in Mr. Hines’ class our grades

7 and 8 students were responding to ideas of privilege, hate, and justice by creating digital picture book. Not My Idea,

is the picture book being used for making real connections within a timely cultural context. As we look ahead,

outside of ourselves and locally we hope to get greeting cards into the hands of those who could use a little

more dignity. We hope to leave these cards made by our students in our community library, community

centre, and our shopping mall for those who could use them as an exchange for a few cents. Both art classes

will be taking a closer look at “walking in other people’s shoes”. We have some exciting things planned ahead

which will have a more multi-dimensional feel, so stay tuned!

THINGS THAT WE MAY NEED!

Please take some time and set aside any of the following items you may no longer need that perhaps we can

use:

-Gently used plastic toys

-newspapers (lots!)

*A reminder to all Visual Art students to please get a sketchbook to bring with you to all your classes.

**Our Visual Art Google Class Code is vlk2n6

Visit us on Instagram @arterinmills.

Report your child’s immunizations to the Region of Peel online

When registering for school for the first time, parents and guardians are required to provide up-

to-date immunization information for their children. This includes registering for kindergarten.

You can update your child’s immunizations online. The online immunization tool allows you to

attach a photo of the immunization record. When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is

required.

Report immunizations online at: www.peelregion.ca/immunize

After you report your immunizations online you will be given a reference number. Keep this

number for your records. You will need to give this number to your child’s school when

registering.

If you do not have online access or your child does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a copy

of the immunization record to the school. Make sure your child’s name and date of birth are

visible on the record.

Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your child does not have an immunization record or if

you have any questions about immunization exemptions.

For more information, visit http://www.peelregion.ca/immuniz

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:

● Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are

many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

▪ Family Doctors’ offices

▪ Walk-in clinics

▪ Pharmacies

▪ Peel flu clinics

● Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and

symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep

them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.

● Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and

mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or

sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid

touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.

● Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water

or use hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

Keep your child’s eyes healthy Did you know that vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any different? As many as 10 per cent of preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can affect the development of their sight if not treated. However, if caught by the age of 5, treatment will be most effective. The Region of Peel recommends regular eye exams for your child to help find eye problems early and get the right treatment. The best way to ensure good eye health is to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist. Yearly eye exams for children 19 and under are covered by OHIP. What to expect at your child’s eye exam An optometrist will complete:

● General vision testing in both eyes. ● Eye muscle testing. ● Eye coordination testing. ● A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.

If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child. For information on overall vision health, common signs of a possible eye problem and the programs available to you within Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/vision-health

Help your family stay warm this winter

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

● Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.

● Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body. ● Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners,

carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.

● Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.

● Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.

● If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused by an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.

● Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.

● If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

Winter bus safety The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months. ● Allow extra time to get to your bus stop. ● Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening. ● Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow

and ice. ● Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or

road surfaces. ● Dress appropriately—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm. ● Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus. ● Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street. ● Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions: ● When possible, wait with your child for the bus. ● Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted

adult. ● Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger

is. ● Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait for the

bus with.

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peelschools/, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below: VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTV CFRB – (Bell Media) One of the following messages will be announced: Peel District School Board buses are cancelled This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual. All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits. All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed. All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More.

Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? The Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules. The Peel Region High Performers Program is available to students in grades 4 to 12 at Britannia Public School, Dolphin Senior Public School and Mississauga Secondary School.

Applications are open For more information and applications, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

Regional Learning Choices programs unlock passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance.

Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.

All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more information about the program and application details. Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Applications for secondary regional programs are closed

Programs Schools offered at Starts in grade:

6 7 9

Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS

Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

Arts Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology

Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS

SciTech Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS

Sports Applewood Heights SS

Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS Transportation Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the

application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

Apply for Extended French by Jan. 31, 2020 If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider Extended French (EF). To find out more about the program, visit www.peelschools.org/French The EF school for our area is Green Glade Sr. Public School. The phone number is 905-822-8386.

Online application The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2020-21 school year is available online at www.peelschools.org/French The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list. Please note that students who are currently or were previously enrolled in French Immersion, cannot apply for grade 7 Extended French – you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program or an English program. For more information ● visit www.peelschools.org/French

● call your nearest Extended French school ● connect with families who have children in the Extended French program

● visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca

Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Many people think that when we talk about mental health, we are talking about mental illness – however,

although they are related concepts, they are not the same. Mental health is like our physical health: both

are important parts of our overall well-being.

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect our thinking, mood and behaviour and they can negatively

impact how we function day to day. Examples of mental illness include depression, generalized anxiety

disorder, and schizophrenia (1). Mental health, relates to our ability to enjoy life and to manage it in ways

that help us reach our goals and cope with stress. It is a sense of spiritual and emotional well-being. This

means, mental health is more than the absence of mental illness (2).

The “dual continuum model” (3) helps

illustrate the relationship between mental

health and mental illness. On the mental

illness continuum, one end runs from

severe mental illness to no mental illness.

On the mental health continuum, one end

runs from poor mental health to good

mental health.

This model shows that a person without a

mental illness is not necessarily mentally

healthy. They may be feeling down or

experiencing a high level of stress because

of life circumstances. It also shows us that we can all strive for good mental health; that even individuals

with mental illness can experience a high level of mental health.

To learn more, watch this brief YouTube video: “Promoting Mental Health: Finding Shared Language” bit.ly/UnderstandingMH_MI. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015. Mental Illness. Available from: http://www.phac-

aspc.gc.ca/cdmc/mi-mm/index-eng.php

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015. Frequently Asked Questions: What is Mental Health Promotion?

Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/mh-sm/mhp-psm/faq-eng.php

3. Keyes, C.L. (2002). The Mental Health Continuum: From Languishing to Flourishing in Life. Journal of

Health and Social Research. Vol. 43: 207-222

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

If you require a hard copy. Please see Mrs Newman-Jobity to receive a copy.