Rowan's Law Day

Many John McCrae staff and alumni had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Rowan Stringer. When asked about Rowan’s character and personality, Mr. Plewis stated, “Rowan was one of the first students I met here at John McCrae when I came here in 2012. She was friendly to anyone who looked like they needed a friend, including teachers. She was a hardworking, intelligent student who looked to always do more, whatever the circumstance”. Mr. Plewis also shared that “Rowan's legacy is one of caring. Although her death was tragic, she's left behind a legacy that hopefully teaches us all to take care of ourselves and each other when we know we need to”.

As a response to Rowan Stringer’s death, the Ontario Legislature passed a legislation creating Rowan’s Law in 2018. One key component of this legislation was the creation of Rowan’s Law Day; a day dedicated to the promotion of concussion awareness and the importance of having strategies in place to prevent, identify, and manage concussions. This year, Rowan’s Law Day was on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. John McCrae remembered Rowan by wearing purple, her favourite colour. Teachers also taught students about the signs and symptoms of concussions.

Some symptoms of a concussion include:

• Confusion

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Ringing in the ears

• Sleepiness

• Loss of vision

• Stomach pain or nausea

• Poor coordination or balance

• Strange or inappropriate emotions

• Poor concentration

Remember, not everyone experiences concussions in the same way. You do not need to show all of the symptoms previously mentioned to be diagnosed with a concussion. Concussions can be caused by any blow to the head, face, or neck that causes a sudden jarring of the head. If you or someone you know suspects you have a concussion, stop all activity immediately and monitor for any changes in your health. Concussions are serious injuries that can have severe consequences.

In Ontario, there are strategies put in place to support you as you recover from a concussion. If you suffer a concussion, tell a trusted adult; they are there to help you. Below are some resources where you can learn more about concussions, Rowan’s Law, and concussion protocols in Ontario.

To learn more, visit these sites:

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/rowans-law-day

• https://ocdsb.ca/our_schools/concussion_management/rowan_law_day

• https://files.ontario.ca/mtcs-rowans-law-booklet-ages-15-and-up-en-2019-05.pdf

• https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Return-to-School-Strategy.pdf

• https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Return-to-Sport-Strategy.pdf