Celebrating both Education Week and Mental Health Week, Minto-Clifford Public School held a number of events May 2 to 6.
On May 3, many students participated in a talent show and in the evening the Minto Clifford School Council organized a Mental Health awareness evening with Wes for Youth representatives speaking about their mission – to promote wellness and emotional support.
On May 4 the school hosted a “Kill it with Kindness” presentation at an assembly where the school’s recently acquired Friendship Bench was unveiled.
Kyla Prosser, of Toronto-based Kill It With Kindness, said the organization provides tips to combat bullying through concepts such as “Stop, Walk and Talk” and encourages “inspirational acts of kindness and empathy.”
Prosser said the group is placing friendship benches, either donated or sponsored, in schools and communities for children and youth who don’t necessarily have the voice to speak up about being bullied and safely express themselves.
Someone sitting on the bench will alert teachers, staff, volunteers or another child/youth that they are in need of assistance, or simply just a friend to play with.
Principal Shelley Grose explained the friendship bench will join the school’s Buddy Bench, recently obtained through the Get In Touch for Hutch initiative as a refuge for students who need it.
