Manitoulin Secondary School cares about everyone's mental health and we run several special programs to help support students:

1. Mental Health Team: A group of staff dedicated to working together to support student mental health Mr Wiwchar, Ms Goodfellow, Mr Doane, Ms Keenan, Mr Theijsmeijer, Ms Heinen, Ms Chapman, Mr Davy, Diane Debassige, Ms Holson, Ms E. Ferguson, Justin Francis, Rebecka Abatossaway-Madahbee, Sunset Sagutch. Many other teachers are trained in Mental Health First Aid as well.

2. MHAF: Mental Health Access Form
   Online form a student can fill out to quickly access support from the Mental Health Team during school hours. Also provides outside contact agencies for emergencies outside school hours.

3. MHIP: Mental Health Individual Plan
   Specially developed plan created in partnership with the student, a staff support and our school social worker to help students identify their strengths and needs, including strategies and supports to help advocate with teachers to understand and help students develop more positive mental health.

Regular Services available at Manitoulin SS

• Supportive Counselling is available from our Guidance Team and Emma Chapman. We can also refer you to outside organizations. A great place to start is to book an appointment with guidance, or fill out our MHAF in the Mental Health Google Classroom.

• Mental Health Counselling is available with Emma Chapman.  If your mental health is affecting your daily interactions and school success, she can support you in developing helpful strategies.  

• Weekly Strategies: A Mental Health strategy is highlighted each week through our internal announcements.

School Social Work Services

School mental health and well-being is one of the key priorities for Rainbow District School Board and plays a vital role in student success. Mental health impacts us all; just as we all have physical health, we all have mental health. School social work services are provided in secondary schools by Masters-level trained, Registered Social Workers. School Social Workers make up the Board’s Mental Health Team, under the direction of the Mental Health Lead.

Services include mental health promotion, group work, individual counselling and interventions, family support, and referrals. Here at Manitoulin Secondary School, social work services are provided by Emma Chapman, MSW, RSW. Students can self-refer by emailing chapmae@rainbowschools.ca or dropping in to her office across from Guidance. They can also be referred by speaking with administration, guidance, or teachers. Parents who have concerns can speak with school staff to request a referral.

Services are provided on a voluntary basis, and the student’s consent to receive service is required for ages 12 and up. Services are confidential and provided in accordance with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers’ guidelines and ethics.