Congrats are in order for Colonel By Secondary School students. Seven groups from the school at 2381 Ogilvie Road in Gloucester have achieved something pretty special. They’re among 20 finalists in Change the View 2015. A province-wide video contest, Change the View is part of the Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) awareness campaign for Children’s Mental Health Week May 4 to 10.
Now in its sixth year, the 2015 contest received 230 submissions from 59 municipalities across Ontario. And a whopping seven entries from the local high school turned heads. Videos were judged by a panel of youth and metal health workers based on originality, creativity, relevance of message, impact, and level of inspiration.
“As their principal, I am extremely proud of our students’ commitment to be voices for acceptance and change,” says Colonel By principal Jean Fulton-Hale. “Our teachers and students take this responsibility to heart, and it is evident in the videos created by Colonel By students.”
The videos, spanning two minutes or less, focus on topics such as stress, depression, ADHD, bullying and other issues connected to youth mental health.
“The students of Colonel By Secondary School have created some extraordinary videos about mental health issues which I am sure will make a great impact in reducing stigma of children and youth struggling with mental health issues,” according to Kimberly Moran, CEO of Children’s Mental Health Ontario. “I am delighted to recognize these students for taking action to draw awareness to an illness that is seeing more children than ever seeking and, unfortunately, waiting for treatment. This a great start to Children’s Mental Health Week.”
Coincidentally, Ontario’s Education Week is held from May 4-8. This year’s theme is Preparing Our Students for Future Success.
Studies show children’s achievements in school improve drastically when their well being is valued and their mental health is nurtured.
