SJASD's Educational Support Services (ESS) team periodically develops and hosts Staying Well Workshops to support families in the Division. These virtual and free workshops support the mental health and wellbeing of students and their families. Topics include, but are not limited to dyslexia, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, academic success, and resilience. All SJASD caregivers with concerns in this area are encouraged to sign up. Browse the upcoming workshops below or review past recorded videos.
2026–27 Workshop Series
The following workshops have been planned for the 2026–27 school year.
Substance Use Amongst Teens: Prevention and Support Through a Harm Reduction Approach
October 8, 2026, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Presenter: Haley Plesh, SJASD ESS
Social Worker
Join us for an informative session that explores current trends in teen substance use, including vaping, alcohol, and marijuana. Parents will learn practical strategies for starting conversations about substance use, ways to help prevent use, and supportive approaches for managing concerns if their child is already experimenting with or using substances. This workshop will provide valuable tools and resources to help families navigate these challenges with confidence and understanding.
Growing Up Online: Algorithms, Influence, and Raising Critical Thinkers
November 19, 2026, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Presenter: Shelly Hopper, SJASD Administrator of Diversity & Equity
From TikTok to YouTube, online platforms are designed to capture attention and keep us engaged. While these tools offer incredible opportunities for learning and connection, they can also limit the perspectives and information our children encounter. In this session, parents will learn how algorithms work, how they influence beliefs and behaviours, and how to help children become curious, open-minded, and critical consumers of information. We may not be able to control everything our children see online, but we can help them become thoughtful, curious, and compassionate thinkers.
Understanding Anxiety and Helping Children Learn to Cope with It
January 28, 2027, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Presenter: Carla Betker, ESS School Psychologist
This one-hour presentation describes the nature and symptoms of anxiety; contributing factors; and supportive strategies for helping children manage anxiety. Learn how anxiety is experienced/expressed in four domains—physical, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive—and how these symptoms are expressed differently as one moves along a continuum toward a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Risk factors for clinical anxiety will also be discussed, along with supportive strategies for helping children manage their anxiety. These strategies include (but are not limited to) identifying and challenging negative thoughts that promote anxiety; promoting more positive thinking; mindfulness activities; and strategies for building self-esteem.
ADHD Beyond Attention: Understanding and Supporting Your Child
April 15, 2027, 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Maria Phelps, ESS School Psychologist & Kristy Wake, ESS Coordinator
ADHD is much more than difficulty paying attention. Join us for a virtual presentation exploring what ADHD can look like at home and at school, including emotional regulation challenges, rejection sensitivity, organization difficulties, and developing independence. The session will also discuss the common overlap between ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, while providing practical, evidence-based strategies parents can use to support their child's success and well-being.
Browse Past Staying Well Workshops
Over the last few years, SJASD has been developing and hosting Staying Well Workshops to support the wellbeing and mental health of SJASD students and their families. Check out the past workshops below or browse through our Staying Well Playlist on SJASD's YouTube Channel.
