They explore how school climate surveys, research partnerships, and tools like engage w/ SMCDSB are helping staff and families stay connected and involved.

You’ll also hear how teams across the board are using data to identify strengths, guide planning, and respond to what matters most.

SMCDSB community, want to stay informed and share your input? Sign up for engage w/ SMCDSB and be part of the conversation! And don't forget to check out the story at beyondthebell.ca!

If you're looking for more information, tools, or support, numerous resources are available. For local services, helpful conversation starters, and up-to-date statistics about youth substance use, start with these:

• Drug Free Kids Canada
• Health Stats Simcoe Muskoka: Youth Substance Use

Discover how a growth mindset can reshape the way we (and our kids!) approach math, why struggle is an essential part of learning, and how parents can support their children without needing to be math experts.

Spark'd provides free support for newcomers in Simcoe County, offering group programs, conversation circles, social events, and one-on-one guidance to help individuals build connections and improve their English.

Tune in to hear how Spark'd is making a difference helping newcomers navigate life in Canada and find their rhythm in their new community.

Advocates for queer and trans communities in the Simcoe Muskoka area, they share personal stories and insights on the importance of community support for queer and trans youth. They also discuss how families can create safer, more inclusive spaces and provide valuable resources for parents and caregivers.

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and triumphs in advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

They discuss mental health challenges faced by Black youth, the value of culturally affirming care, and the innovative Harambe Programme, which provides mental health and tutoring support.

Gain practical insights on building community, fostering resilience, and accessing support for families.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, students, and educators eager to understand and amplify the impact of student voices in creating dynamic and inclusive school communities.

Join the conversation for the message of hope in this insightful episode!

Be sure to read the accompanying story on our website www.beyondthebell.ca.

Join us as Brad and Chantelle explore how Continuing Education programs empower students to discover unique pathways to success.

From Aquatics Leadership to Personal Support Worker Training, and beyond, there are so many opportunities to unlock the doors to new possibilities.

You’ll hear about topics that you might already be familiar with, but we’ll go a little deeper and give you a glimpse into the behind the scenes action in the world of education.

This episode touches on the impact of COVID-19, financial stressors, managing expectations, and what to do if a family member provides unwanted observations on how someone has changed. The episode closes with some important reminders of the services that can be accessed over the holidays if your child's typical mental health supports are not available.

This episode also provides some tips and strategies for how parents and caregivers can support their children and teens to have a growth mindset when faced with challenges.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion about the November progress reports and some ideas to help guide the conversation at home.

In this episode Tracey and Chantelle explore ways to have conversations about these important issues with our children and teens. Together they explore the importance of being curious and tolerating discomfort when the conversation gets challenging.

While conversations are important, actions speak volumes. This episode identifies ways that families can encourage activism in both small and big steps. 

You will hear some helpful ways to include your child or teen in the communication along with strategies to set up the communication for success. While these conversations can be challenging at times, it's important to remember that parents and teachers want the same thing - the best educational experience for their child! 

Parents and caregivers joined Chantelle Quesnelle, host of our OnPoint Parenting Podcast, and guests from the SMCDSB Psychology Department for a Live Q&A on our Facebook Page on Tuesday, August 31st at 7 pm. Together they answered your questions related to our student's mental health and well-being as they begin a new school routine this September. 

In this episode, we explore what to do and say when faced with silence or a child or teen who has ‘shut down'. We identify a few helpful ways to support your child or teen in these situations so that you can feel aligned with your child or teen rather than ‘opposed’.

Validating the silence, exploring what is underneath or motivating the silence, and creating a ‘brave space’ for your child (or the conditions to share) are some of the ideas explored in facing this challenging situation as parents.

Together, Chantelle Quesnelle and Beth McCague discuss helpful tips and strategies to support your children or teens who are reluctant to go back to school, feeling mixed emotions about their return, or simply avoiding the topic altogether! We also have an episode just for you parents, as you are navigating your own concerns or worries about your child’s or teen’s transition. Each 20-minute episode will include resources available on onpointparenting.com. 

If you find yourself thinking about specific questions, we have got you covered! You can submit your questions on our website, onpointparenting.com. We are excited to answer your questions with you and SMCDSB parents in our Live Q&A on August 31st at 7 pm! Here we will join a panel of our SMCDSB Psychology Department staff to explore and answer your questions about ways to mentally and emotionally support your children and teens as they transition back to school this fall.

Here's a little bit about our guest this week:

Doug Lowther is a School Counsellor and a longstanding member of the SMCDSB Psychology Department team. He has been with the school board for 28 years (and counting)! Prior to his time at SMCDSB, Doug worked in children’s Mental Health agencies in Simcoe county. He grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia (they are all small towns) and he takes trips out east whenever possible. Doug enjoys coaching basketball and makes a concerted effort to be a good neighbour. He always has a story to tell and sees the best in every student and family he supports.

Please be aware that we briefly discuss suicide in this episode and it may not be appropriate for some listeners.

Brought to you by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and our Catholic Parent Involvement Committee.