Star-studded lineup for Alberta’s Mental Wellness Day for Schools

Alberta’s government is hosting a virtual Mental Wellness Day for Schools across Alberta on June 3 to support and recognize the resilience of students, parents, teachers and staff.

All students, parents, teachers and education staff are invited to take part in free online sessions on mental health and wellness. Activities include a performance and message from Alberta country music singer Brett Kissel, inspirational messages from the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and others, as well as fun, age-appropriate activities for children and youth led by Alberta Health Services, Ever Active Schools and Jack.org. Sessions for adults include talks by the College of Alberta School Superintendents, resilience expert Michael Ungar, clinical psychologist Jody Carrington and RESPECT Group co-founder Sheldon Kennedy.

To accommodate busy end-of-year school schedules, most sessions will be recorded and available to view online afterwards. Detailed information about the event, including how to attend, is available online.

“I want to acknowledge that this has been an incredibly challenging school year in many ways,” Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education said. “I truly commend our teachers and education staff for their ability to rise to those challenges to meet the needs of their students. Thank you! The resilience of our students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators and everyone in our education system is extremely remarkable. I hope these online sessions offer valuable tools, lessons, encouragement and an enjoyable break as we look forward to completing the school year and enjoying a relaxing summer ahead.”

Alberta Education has a budget of $25,000 for this event and Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says mental wellness day is an opportunity for youth to continue having open conversations with educators and peers about their wellness.

“Students will have an opportunity to start building resiliency with their peers and learn new strategies to support their own mental wellness,” Associate Minister Luan said. “Thank you to Minister LaGrange and Alberta’s school authorities for organizing this uplifting and inspiring day for our youth.”

Brett Kissel is a country music singer who will attend the event.

Help is out there

• If you know a child or youth needs someone to talk to, they can reach the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 68-68-68.
• The Mental Health Help Line is a free 24-7 confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns. It can be reached at 1-877-303-2642
• The Addiction and Mental Health Help Line is a free 24-7 confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing addiction and mental health concerns. It can be reached at 1-866-332-2322.