Monday May 2nd kicked off ‘Wellness Week’ at St. Gabriel the Archangel School in Chestermere. This week long focus on wellness encompassed all aspects of wellness…physical, mental and emotional.
The week kicked off with a Social Media presentation by TelusWise. TELUS WISE (Wise Internet and Smartphone Education) is an industry-leading educational program on Internet and Smartphone safety that builds on TELUS’ track record of partnering with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to offer similar educational information to Canadians.
TELUS WISE offers best-in-class training for anyone wanting to learn how to keep children and teens safe when using the Internet as well as a variety of tips and tools on Internet and Smartphone safety and security. TELUS WISE content has been developed in partnership with MediaSmarts and other industry experts, addressing a critical need for timely, informative and relevant information, given the steady growth of smartphone adoption and Internet use, particularly with children and teens.
Following this presentation, students participated in music and dancing, improve games, other interactive sessions.
Tuesday May 3rd had activities such as three legged race and tug of war outside while others stayed in doors to play a long-time favourite ‘Name That Tune’. That evening had a special parents meeting where the sensitive and emotional topic of drug abuse was discussed amongst parents and Ms. Glass.
Wednesday May 4th had everyone in the ‘Star Wars’ spirit and invited all students and staff to dress as a STARS WARS character. This was also the day that was deemed as “Unplug Day” where participants could receive a prize of ice cream if they completed the challenge of remaining unplugged all day. Carrying over from the night before, presentations were now given to the students on drug abuse and fentanyl deaths. Wednesday also had ‘walk and talk’ and a game of baseball.
Thursday May 5th was a day that had students raising their voices and finding their inner Zen. Tai Chi was offered as an outdoor activity while indoors, students could be found finding their inner rock star while participating in the karaoke while the day was wrapped up with a Battle of the Bands.
Friday May 6th wrapped up ‘Wellness Week’ and a special day it was for sure. The “Markus Lavallee SGA Cup” was held in the gymnasium while other students participated in games, art and a cooking seminar.
Throughout the week, there were also:
• Graffiti Board for positive wellness messages – Ms. Glass & Ms. Young
• Morning Message for TA every day of the week – related to wellness – video or song or story – Mr. Lovasz, Mrs. Smith
• Small, portable healthy snack every day available for any student who wants – Mrs. Gardiner
• Chapel open for meditation/prayer/lighting of candles– Mrs. Glass
• Bingo Game – Mrs. Jedrzejczyk
The purpose of ‘Wellness Week’ was to shed light on Mental Health Awareness Week. May 2nd – 8th is CMHA’s (Canadian Mental Health Association) Mental Health Week which is an annual national event to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health. CMHA introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 and it is now a popular week for a variety of mental health and addiction awareness and education campaigns, activities and events across the country.
