Celebrating Education Week 2026: Mental Health and Well-Being
The Halton District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in celebrating Education Week from May 4-8, 2026. This week provides an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work taking place across HDSB schools and workspaces, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of students, staff and the broader school community.
Throughout the week, the HDSB is sharing stories and initiatives that demonstrate how the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is shaping learning environments and supporting student success and well-being.
Today, on Tuesday, May 5, we are exploring the role of Mental Health and Well-Being, as Education Week aligns with Mental Health Week. The HDSB is showcasing how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Community Organizations and Educators Come Together for Mental Health Symposium
Educators and community organizations from across Halton gathered prior to the winter break for the Illuminate: Shining a Light on Mental Health Community Partnerships Symposium, a one-day event focused on shared learning in support of student well-being. The symposium brought together school staff and community mental health partners to strengthen connections and share evidence-informed approaches to supporting student mental health across HDSB schools and workplaces. Learn more: https://www.hdsb.ca/news-spotlight-on-schools/posts/community-organizations-and-educators-come-together-for-community-mental-health-symposium/
Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, the HDSB hosted a series of Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians, with each session led by a mental health expert. Topics this year included screen time and online safety, recognizing signs of stress in children and teens, supporting youth with ASD, and the impact of AI on student well-being. Sessions are shared on the HDSB website as they become available.
Additional Mental Health & Well-Being Resources for Families
School Mental Health Ontario - Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinars
School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is offering resources and a free webinar series designed to help parents/guardians navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviors. This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:
-
How to talk about substance use at home
-
The intersection of addictions and mental health
-
Recognizing signs of substance use and behavioural addictions
-
Current trends in student substance use in Ontario
-
Technology overuse and problematic gaming
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask presenters questions before and during each session. Learn more and register.
Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) - Access & System Navigation Webinars
ROCK is a non-profit, community-based agency that supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families. ROCK is offering free webinars to help families learn how to access ROCK’s programs and services. Each session will review the general process from first contact, connections to programs and services and more. Webinars run throughout the year with identical content and families are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule. Learn more and register.
Halton ADAPT Services
Halton ADAPT is dedicated to supporting individuals with alcohol, drug or gambling concerns, and their families, to manage and address these concerns. Learn more.
One Stop Talk
One Stop Talk is a counselling resource and live chat. Parents and youth can connect the same day with a therapist, Monday - Friday from 12 - 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 - 4 p.m. Learn more.
Accessing HDSB Services
Students and families can find mental health and well-being information and resources on their school website or through the Mental Health & Well-Being webpage on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
HDSB employees can access support and resources through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Visit myHDSB (search: EFAP) to learn more.
