May invites us to reflect on the connection between mental health, wellbeing, and belonging. Mental Health Awareness Month and Children’s Mental Health Week (May 4-11) remind us that reducing stigma and strengthening mental health literacy happens through everyday actions in how we listen, respond, and create spaces where students feel seen, valued, and affirmed.
In May, events will take place across the system and in schools to highlight this ongoing work:
May 4: Anti-Sex Trafficking Grade 8 Summit – Over 300 Grade 8 students, 50 staff, and 20+ community partners will come together to centre healthy relationships and safety through meaningful conversations and activities that build confidence, self-esteem, and strong connections to school, community, and pathways for help-seeking. Anti-Sex Trafficking Resources
May 7: Roots2Rise – A Black Male Mental Health & Leadership Event supporting approximately 100 students, centring identity, belonging, mentorship, and mental wellness in an affirming and supportive space. Black Mental Health Resources
May: Focus on Youth Mental Health Leadership – Over 60 secondary students will participate in virtual learning on mental health literacy, healthy relationships, digital safety, and transitions, contributing creative expressions of their learning. Students continue to guide and shape the way we understand and respond to mental health. Since 2021, over 350 secondary students have participated in our Focus on Youth Mental Health Leadership Program, led by TDSB’s Mental Health Leads. Students have expressed their experiences and insights through poetry, art, painting, and spoken word - works of heart preserved in our Virtual Museum.
May 27: ChatCVT (Combatting Vaping @TDSB) – Student leadership initiative across 11 secondary schools, with an evening community event at Lawrence Park CI supporting parent/caregiver awareness and strategies around vaping for parents/caregivers. Anti-Vaping and Anti-Cannabis Toolkit
May 30: Inaugural Navigating Pathways to Wellness: A Summer Mental Health & Transition Resource Fair - An event bringing together nearly 100 community partners to support students and families as they transition into summer. View the flyer to register.
There are also many ongoing mental health initiatives across the TDSB and in schools throughout the school year, including:
Exercise to Success (E2S) – Over 100 student leaders across 40+ schools engaging more than 3,000 students in physical activity and wellness initiatives that strengthen the connection between physical and mental health.
CaféBreak (Virtual Schools) – Student-led wellness spaces supporting coping, stress management, and connection to system-wide resources during key transition periods, including exams and end-of-year changes.
Mental Health Groups in Schools – From September to May, more than 2,500 groups delivered across TDSB supporting student well-being, coping, conflict resolution, and connection to resources.
Digital Safety: A Parents’ Roadmap – From October to May, more than 2,000 parents/caregivers engaged in learning sessions focused on online safety, risks, and strategies to support children in digital spaces. Digital Safety Resources
As we move into warmer days and approach June transitions and exams, Mental Health and Wellbeing resources are available to support daily wellness, care, and connection for every student.
For more information, please visit the TDSB Mental Health and Well-Being site or email mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca.