Students from Cochrane’s École Secondaire Cochrane High School and Iroquois Falls Secondary School came together at Timmins Fitness Alternatives this week to mark a year of building mental health awareness and community connections in northeastern Ontario.
The celebration capped off Mental Health Week activities organized by student groups such as the IFSS Jack Chapter, ESCHS Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and Student Council. Throughout the year, these groups have led initiatives focused on connecting classmates and promoting well-being across their schools.
During Mental Health Week, students across the partner schools took part in therapy dog visits, a resource fair, sports, crafts, and a ‘Pie Your Teacher’ wellness fundraiser. These activities were designed to offer different ways for students to engage with mental health support, from quiet moments with trained therapy dogs to active, team-based fun.
The District School Board Ontario North East supports student-led mental health efforts through its Mental Health and Well-Being Team, which works to reduce stigma and provide effective support. The board follows a Five Ways to Well-Being framework that encourages connecting, staying active, and giving back, all values reflected in the student-run events.
This year’s Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week ran from May 4 to 10 under the theme “Come Together,” emphasizing that strong community connections strengthen mental health. The Cochrane and Iroquois Falls students’ celebration shows how that message is taking root in rural northern schools, where isolation can be a barrier to accessing support.
