WESTLOCK – Mental health issues in young people has been during the pandemic and St. Mary School is helping students deal with everyday stress by giving them a quiet place to relax and unwind.
“It’s absolutely needed. We have so many kids that we see daily who come from stresses at homes or stresses on the playground,” said school counsellor, Jamie Greter. “You can see when they walk in that they are able to leave any strong face they are holding onto at the door and can come in and really have that space to feel those feelings.”
Greter reached out to the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation in Westlock, to share with them some of the student’s needs. Last fall, the foundation stepped up with a $2,500 donation to help create a room for students to use. Work on the room was completed in January and students have been using the room since.
The official opening of the room was held in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 20.
President of the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation Christine Vachon said they do a lot of work with area schools and wanted to incorporate student’s ideas and feedback to make it as comfortable for them as possible.
“We’re pleased. I wanted it to be a place that the kids felt welcome in,” said Vachon. “If the kids build it and have an input, they’re going to be more receptive to coming into something like this and enjoying this space. (They will) let their guard down and be comfortable,” said Vachon, noting how far schools and society has come in addressing the mental health needs of students. “Recognizing that there’s mental health issues in every form, every person. There’s no discrimination — it can affect anybody so it's important that we recognize that. If there’s an opportunity to help build something to help others, that’s what it’s all about.”
Having a space that is separate from a classroom has allowed students an opportunity to be themselves, said Greter, pointing out the comfortable seating and welcoming space has been well used.
“For the first 80 minutes every day it’s pretty much always occupied, whether that’s with me or with our other counsellor Dan (Krywko) as well,” said Greter. “It is something that kids really enjoy … they’re really excited to come in here because it’s a new space, it’s somewhere that does not give them that pressure of academics.”
School principal Vance Nakonechny said the areas is a safe space for students where they can discuss things, share problems or concerns, and have someone listen to them. “It’s just a place where they can have some calm, quiet and some peace in their day,” said Nakonechny, noting the importance of such a room. “We’ve seen a big increase with mental health concerns, especially with COVID, but even before that. We’re finding there’s a real need for that and this is an excellent place for our counsellors and our students to connect,” he said.
The room features several items including a couch, bean bag chairs, a hammock, soft lighting, several books, and a couple of rocking chairs. This is the first wellness room of its kind at St. Mary School.
“Sometimes (students) just need a little quiet time to reflect and get a break in their day,” said Nakonechny.
