The Importance of Adolescent Mental Health
A year ago, we weathered a tremendous storm. The storm was the loss of David Leeper, a dear member of our then Grade 11 class, here at CDS. Since then, we’ve remembered David and supported each other in a remarkable fashion.
For those of you who attended Tuesday evening’s panel discussion on Adolescent Mental Health with members of Jack.org, and for those who missed this powerful evening, you can watch the video excerpts here or read the attached PDF for additional resources. This panel discussion was a timely event as part of CDS' Mental Health Week.
Normally accepted emotional states can feel awkward at times such as these. If I were to look back at this School’s accomplishments in dealing with our grief, in making positive changes, in expanding our understanding – I would normally feel very proud of this good work and would congratulate all involved. Those sentiments feel strange here and possibly this is another effect of the powerful stigma attached to mental health issues.
Maybe its best just to imagine a person unknown to us, not me, or one of our teachers, our one of our students, but someone outside of our community who has just been sort of hovering above us and watching. What might they have observed over this past year? How would they view our actions and how might they describe the actions of David’s friends, family, teachers and acquaintances? What reaction would they have to what happened, to how we reacted?
I think they would look in and see all of this and more and reflect that they saw a group of people here at CDS who were thoughtful, respectful and who took action to make things better.
Last year, our Grade 11s fashioned a very fitting remembrance for David:
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Maybe its best just to imagine a person unknown to us, not me, or one of our teachers, our one of our students, but someone outside of our community who has just been sort of hovering above us and watching. What might they have observed over this past year? How would they view our actions and how might they describe the actions of David’s friends, family, teachers and acquaintances? What reaction would they have to what happened, to how we reacted?
Looking in from above, I think they would see a group of people who did their best to honour the memory of David. A group of people who were honest, genuine and open with their emotions, each in their own way. A group of people who care, who really, really, care.
I think they would look in and see all of this and more and reflect that they saw a group of people here at CDS who were thoughtful, respectful and who took action to make things better.
This week is Mental Health Week at CDS, representing the culmination of the work of a reflective group of people who responded to tough times with a positive and collaborative approach. In fact, we have been in this “what can we do to make things better" frame of mind for a year now.
Last year, our Grade 11s fashioned a very fitting remembrance for David:
“Believe in the hope in those around you
Forever cherish the value of love and life
We care.”
We care.”
I hope we are all inspired to continue to advance the cause of raising awareness of mental health issues for young people moving forward. I know our students are.
John Liggett
Head of School
Head of School
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
