1. Practical Solutions to Assist with Learning
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
Practical Solutions to Assist with Learning

2. Introductions
Michelle Rao, Manager, School College Partnerships, Georgian College
Sammi Marriner, Mental Health Youth Transition Worker, Georgian College
Rosa Bitonti, School within a College Teacher, Simcoe Muskoka CDSB
Denis Nugent, School within a College Teacher, Simcoe County DSB

3. About Us…
Central Lakes RPT is one college & five school boards representing Simcoe County, Muskoka and Grey/Bruce
We have about 1000 dual credit students on seven college campuses
We run our School within a College program (Flex) on four campuses with a total of 13 sections this year

4. ANSWER GARDEN Web address: https://answergarden.ch/478012
What non-academic issues are you facing in your Dual Credit classrooms?

5. Mental Health and Addictions Youth Transition Worker
Funded through the Mental Health Innovation Fund created by MTCU to support students (postsecondary & transitioning) in accessing mental health services
Goals: identify gaps in services, promote best practice sharing, create partnerships, and support innovative approaches
Pilot Project ran March 2016 to March 2017
Georgian College funded the remainder of this academic year
Position works primarily with 55 SWAC students in Barrie each semester

6. Student Profile
School within a College student must meet the dual credit student criteria
At-risk, disengaged, under-achieving with potential to succeed
19% of CLRPT students had left school, compared to 10% provincially (15-16)
Of Barrie SWAC students this fall, 71% had left school
Student needs are wide ranging

7. Rebecca

8. Kate

9. Ajay

10. Transition Worker stats
Individual appointment in person = 225
Presentations (in class from YTW) = 3
Presentations (presented by others) = 2
Health Team visit (off campus) = 3
Housing = 18
Viewing apartments = 2
Ontario Works application = 9
Barrie Learning Centre = 1
Assisted with legal matters = 5
Assisted with résumés = 6
OCAS applications = 60

11. Transition Worker stats
OSAP application = 4
Liaising between college and student = 18
Liaising with coordinator and student = 3
# students appointment w/counsellor = 20
# students referred to Accessibility = 4
# students referred to Student Advisor = 1
# students referred to Doctor/Health Team = 16
# students referred to school Psychologist = 2
# students referred by counsellor = 1
# students referred by CMHA = 2
# students referred by other agency = 1

12. Transition Worker stats
# students referred by YMCA = 3
# meetings with other agencies = 5
# of college events YTW was involved = 7
Assisted with tour for Crown Ward Youth = 1
Fall Semester
Winter Semester
# of new students
# students Denis class 20 23 16
# students Susan class 18 7
# students Rosa Class 15 19 8
Total 53 60 31

13. An important number
At least 28 of the students in the three sections the Transition Worker supports will be attending Georgian College in the fall
That number grows to 34+ if we include other colleges
Several students want to work for a year
If you allow students to feel physically safe and secure, their self esteem grows and they are able to achieve their potential

14. Teacher Testimonial Rosa -- My Story Students in Crisis
Transition Support
Community Connections -- Youth Haven, Ontario Works, etc.
Campus Connections -- IEP’s, Career Counselling, Personal Counselling, Peer Tutors
Meaningful Collaboration
➤This support has kept most of my students in school

15. Teacher Testimonial Denis--My Story
Large class due to support ( doing 2 dual credits and 1 top up)
Many struggling with mental health
Some of the problems our students are facing
Past times without support
Smaller group with far less aiming/successfully entering college
The way things currently work with the support worker
Team approach
Time freed up to work with more students academically and emotionally

16. Teacher Testimonial Future without support Less students?
Less going to college?
Some dropping out of SWAC or College?
Less contributing to the good of their peers and society
More teacher burnout
Other ideas that may work
Grad students
Child youth worker
Current board social workers

17. WHAT STRATEGIES & SUPPORTS HAVE WORKED FOR YOUR STUDENTS?
Add notes to the blackboard

18. WHAT NEXT STEPS CAN WE TAKE PROVINCIALLY TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH OF DC STUDENTS?
Time to brainstorm…..

19. QUESTIONS?
Thank you for your time!