With Alberta now into Stage 2 of the COVID-19 recovery plan, many stakeholders are looking forward to getting back to normal life following months of restrictions and ever-present health-care concerns.
And while no one can be faulted for wanting to leave the pandemic behind as soon as possible, it is important to remember that some recovery efforts will need to continue long after the health crisis is over.
One area where the work is only just beginning is the need to ensure Alberta’s young people receive the mental health support they might require going forward.
Health experts have been saying for months that the pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the mental health of many young people, in some cases creating serious instances of depression and other related concerns.
Thankfully, both Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) are already making concerted efforts to support the mental health of their respective students moving into the post-pandemic world.
Just last week, both divisions approved new education plans that include provisions to aid the mental well-being of students at all grade levels.
Ryan Sawula, division principal with RDCRS, explained that the division’s new plan champions student mental health and wellness.
“One key priority is we recognize mental health supports for students and staff,” said Sawula. “That is a key piece and a focus area moving forward, coming out of the pandemic and continuing to ensure that students and staff have mental health supports.”
Karyn Barber, CESD associate superintendent of system services, explained that the division’s new plan focuses a great deal on supporting student mental health.
“Potentially never before have we needed such an acute focus on the well-being of our students,” said Barber.
With Alberta starting to look beyond the COVID-19 crisis, it is encouraging to see the mental health of the province’s young people being considered and supported. And for leading that effort, the district’s fine educators should be applauded.
Dan Singleton is an editor with The Albertan.
