Emotional expression through mask making was among the things St Joseph’s students learned during their Wellness Day, May 11. Photo submitted.

On Friday, May 11, St Joseph’s School held its first ever Wellness Day to wrap up Catholic Education Week celebrations. Students were divided into teams with at least one student from each class. Grade 8 students led their group from workshop to workshop over the course of the day.

In a St Joseph’s School submission, each workshop promoted either physical, mental, emotional or spiritual wellness. Students learned the Martial Art of Jiu Jitsu under the direction of Jesse Topp from Topp Performance. They participated in exciting challenges which promoted physical fitness, led by Karen Fehr from Lakeshore Recreation. At other workshops, students were taught how to garden for health, they participated in a guided meditation, and they made masks which helped them learn to identify and express their feelings.

Several other community members graciously volunteered to share their skills and help promote wellness within our school. Nancy Kuhl and her colleagues from the Bruce County Public Library came in to share all of the exciting resources available to students, which help alleviate stress and promote positive mental health. Andrea Wist taught students how to express themselves using sign language. Angela Zwambag made healthy snacks with the students and Carla Campbell, a Registered Dietician, taught students about balanced eating and Canada’s Food Guide. Susan Wilson and her colleagues from Keystone helped students make sensory bottles which are used as a means of helping children calm themselves when their feelings become overwhelming. Students also enjoyed participating in Yoga and learning about Métis culture through hands on activities led by Keali Goldman. They made rosaries with the ladies from St Joseph’s Parish and participated in traditional Indigenous Games outside on the field.

Students and staff wish to express their sincere thanks to the many community volunteers who came in to help promote and celebrate wellness within our school community. The day was informative and enjoyable.

Below, martial arts and healthy snacks were part of the day’s workshops at St Joseph’s, May 11. Photos submitted.