The High School Community Building Program for Grades 9-12 takes a whole-school approach to mental health and well-being and seeks to embed strategies that foster mental health and well-being into everyday teaching. This approach ensures that mental health becomes an integral part of school culture, helping students build skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and stress management.
This program takes a multi-level approach to student engagement and well-being through three phases: Participatory, Universal, and Transformative:
Participatory: Students and teachers develop and practice individual well-being and interpersonal skills.
Universal: Students apply skills acquired in the participatory phase by connecting with peers and promoting a safe and inclusive school culture.
Transformative: Students build resilience and leadership, equipping them to positively impact their broader community.
What Is The High School Community Building Program?
The High School Community Building Program is a series of activities consisting of:
Activities that build belonging & community for educators.
Role modeling activities to build connections between students & educators.
Activities that increase student resilience & foster a sense of belonging.
Strategies for community building and relationship building amongst students.
Educator strategies for classroom support, attendance re-engagement, restorative conversations, and strengths-based feedback.
What Are The Intended Outcomes of this Program?
Research highlights that a supportive school culture significantly improves attendance, academic performance, and overall school commitment. This program aims to have a lasting impact on students’ academic growth and personal well-being, ultimately helping schools foster a healthier, more inclusive learning environment.
What Does The Program Contain?
The High School Community Building Program contains the following sections:
Connection Strategies (containing Peer Connection Activities, Strengths-Based Feedback and Student Relationship Building Strategies) - Learn about Educator Strategies here.
Regulation Strategies (including Classroom Support Strategies) - Learn about Educator Strategies here.
Student Voice Opportunities - Learn about Educator Strategies here.
Student-Led Initiatives - Learn how to run these projects here.
Self-Acceptance Series (containing a Teacher Series, Teacher Modeling Series and Student Series)