Nutrition for Learning

Did you know that there is a Nutrition for Learning program right here at Southridge PS?  Nutrition for Learning works in partnership with youth and educators striving to elevate the experience of universal food access at schools in ways that promote optimal well-being, healthy relationships, and food literacy, so that all students are nourished at school in order to learn, connect, participate, and thrive. This past school year, Nutrition for Learning noticed a growing need for student nutrition programs. When students are well-nourished at school, they are given the chance to learn, participate, and thrive.

If you would like, you can become a donor to help students access food while at school. Go to https://nutritionforlearning.ca/donate/donate-now/  to donate directly to our school (use drop down to find Southridge PS).  Even small donations can make a big impact. Donate today!

Thank you for supporting Southridge PS’s student nutrition program.

WEFI (Waterloo Education Foundation Inc) & Lenscrafters OneSight Program

The Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. is a registered charitable foundation, which operates through the Waterloo Region District School Board and is managed by a Board of Directors. The Foundation is pleased to accept donations from individuals, corporations and organizations wishing to support a strong public education system in Waterloo Region – you can click here for the donation page.

WEFI believes when more children can see the board in school, we can all fight illiteracy. This is why the Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI) has partnered with Lencrafters and the OneSight Program to help provide eligible students with prescription eyeglasses, free of charge. If you know a student that would benefit from this program, please contact our school to request a referral letter.

Bullying and peer conflict

Here are some resources for parents and caregivers on bullying prevention and intervention:

• The Red Cross – Preventing bullying: Tips for parents
• The Red Cross – How to help: A youth perspective on bullying (video)
• PREVNet – What parents need to know
• Edutopia – Empowering students to curb bullying

Healthy relationships, consent and sexual relationships

Research shows that parent-child communication about sexual health encourages positive behaviour. Here are some resources to help:

• The Region of Waterloo – The talk: A parents guide
• Leicestershire County Council – What consent looks like (video)
• Harvard University – The Talk: How Adults Can Promote Young People’s Healthy Relationships
• Amaze.org – What makes a relationship healthy (video)

Safe Internet use and creating a positive digital footprint

Resources on appropriate and inappropriate use of the Internet, social media and digital technology:

• Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy – Media smarts
• Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Internet safety
• Cyberbullying Research Center – Cyberbullying fact sheet
• Ontario Women’s Justice Network – Sexting and the law

Drug and alcohol use

• Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy – Preventing substance use
• Kids Health – Talking to your child about drugs
• Harvard Health Publications and HelpGuide.org – Teenage drinking
• WRDSB – Talking to your child about opioids use
• Centre for Addition and Mental Health – Opioids: What you need to know
• School Mental Health Assist – Cannabis Information
• Drug Free Kids Canada – Drug Free Kids Canada
• Government of Ontario – Cannabis Rules and Regulations
• 5 Things to know about Cannabis – Video

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and more (LGBTQ+)

Information for families of students who identify as LGBTQ+, who are unsure of how they identify and who want to serve as allies of LGBTQ+ students:

• K-W Counselling – OK2BME

Resiliency, stress and anxiety

Tips for helping children and teens build resilience and manage anxiety: from the

• American Psychological Association –Resiliency guide for parents and teachers
• Kids Health – Childhood stress
• The Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia – Anxiety…can totally suck!
• Teens can be Resilient – A Parent Guide
• Teens can be Resilient in High School – A Parent Guide

Eating Disorders

Information for families wanting to better understand Eating Disorders and related behaviour:

• National Eating Disorder Information Centre – Know the facts
• Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition – Advocacy and services
• Eating Disorders in Males – Eating Disorder Hope

Suicide

Information to help you understand the issue of suicide and learn about suicide prevention:

• Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council – Preventing suicide
• National Association of School Psychologists – Preventing youth suicide
• The Right by You – Support teen mental health

Self-harm

Resources and information about why some youth self-harm and how you can help your child:

• The Canadian Mental Health Association  – Youth and self injury

Communicating with your teen

Ideas for how to better communicate with your teen:

• Child Mind Institute – Tips for communicating with teens
• Psychology Today – 9 Tips for Communicating With Your Teenage Son

General Resources for Parents and Caregivers

• Well-Being Resources for children – Heart-Mind Online

Internet Gaming Disorder

• Psychology Today – Internet Gaming Disorder Article

E-Cigarette and Tobacco Use

• Canadian Paediatric Society – Smoking and Youth
• Centre for Disease Control – Tobacco and Teens

 

Promoting Positive Body Image

• Kids Health – Encouraging Healthy Body Image
• Kids Help Phone – Body Image Info for Teens
• Healthy Bodies Curriculum – 10 Lessons
• Healthy Bodies Curriculum  – Toxic Cultural Myths

Encouraging Healthy Physical Activity

• Globe and Mail – Kids and Physical Activity
• Government of Canada – Tips to get active

Promoting Positive Mental Health

• Mental Health and Well-being Resources from the WRDSB – Health and Well-Being
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
• Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington – Road map for Parents
• Here 24/7 – Portal for mental health

Social and Emotional Learning

• CASEL  – Social / Emotional Learning
• Edutopia – Social / Emotional Learning Parent Resources

Cultivating Care and Empathy

• • Greater Good Science Center  – Raising Kind Kids
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education – Raising Caring Children
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education – Cultivating Empathy

 

Self-Regulation

•  Importance of Developing Self-Regulation – Developing Self Regulation
• Parent Map – Self Regulation in Tweens and Teens