MOOSE JAW — Prairie South School Division (PSSD) is highlighting some projects that schools are pursuing thanks to River Street Promotions’ annual efforts to raise money for youth mental health and community initiatives.
“River Street Promotions’ partnership with Prairie South School Division and Holy Trinity (Catholic) School Division is a true testament to the phrase ‘it takes a village,’” said Amanda Olson, PSSD’s superintendent of learning.
“It’s incredibly uplifting to see River Street Promotions (RSP) actively engaging in efforts to raise awareness, break stigma and provide support for those navigating mental health awareness and prevention,” she continued.
“(RSP’s) commitment not only fosters a more understanding and compassionate community here in southern Saskatchewan, but also directly impacts the lives of many who may be struggling silently.”
School attendance
RSP helped PSSD kickstart the #YourPresenceMatters campaign, because as “a leading school division in Saskatchewan,” Prairie South is focused on prioritizing student attendance, said Olson.
Division and school administrators know that poor attendance can negatively affect students’ mental health and well-being, while it can increase stress and anxiety, lower self-esteem, and create behavioural issues, family problems and depression, she continued.
Therefore, #YourPresenceMatters shows that PSSD cares about its students and wants them in school daily, while the goal is to spread this message through many communities.
“We think that if we all start talking about how important regular attendance is for one’s mental wellness, we can support students and families in building positive attendance habits,” said Olson, noting that #YourPresenceMatters decals can be seen on businesses, vehicles, T-shirts or ice rinks.
Prince Arthur School aligned its wellness initiative with the division’s strategic imperative of attendance and promoted the #YourPresenceMatters campaign by sending home decals and giving away T-shirts as monthly draws.
The division also used some RSP funding to purchase bus passes for students since they must pay $65 per month, which can be costly for some youths and their families.
Art club
Riverview Collegiate runs an after-school art club that focuses on belonging and mental wellness through creativity. The club’s goals include:
- Providing a healthy outlet for stress and emotions
- Promoting mindfulness
- Working on present-moment thinking
- Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Belonging
- Collaboration
With RSP’s support, the art club purchased a 3D printer so students could create pieces such as sculptures, jewelry and functional items.
Lego club
Empire School has hosted art workshops, and with leftover RSP funding, purchased Lego to start a club. The group aims to build new connections among students and promote creative conversations; an unexpected outcome led to improved attendance for some students.
This year, Empire School requested funds to purchase more supplies since the club continues to be a hit with students.
Sacred teachings
Lindale School used RSP funding to have “The Kohkums” attend assemblies and visit classrooms to discuss the seven sacred teachings. The visits create a safe environment for students to express themselves and ask questions.
“Engaging with knowledge keepers at the school assemblies will help students build relationships, learn from the Kohkums’ experiences and feel supported,” said Olson.
“By integrating indigenous awareness and teachings into their mental health wellness project, Lindale School can create a more inclusive, culturally responsive approach that benefits all students and enhances their overall well-being,” she continued.
Joint-use school
RSP donated $10,000 toward a playground for the Coteau Hills/Our Lady of Hope joint-use school, which will benefit students’ mental health, well-being and academic achievements and prevent disconnection from the natural world and sedentary lifestyles.
More “risky play” is linked to lower anxiety and depression symptoms in young children, Olson said. There is also growing evidence that more time spent playing outdoors is associated with better mental health.
Research shows that children who live near playgrounds have better mental health, while playground play could be an effective intervention for poor mental health due to increased time outdoors, increased physical activity and opportunities for problem solving, she continued.
Nashville concert
RSP hosted a Nashville Concert in December 2024, with over 800 students from 18 schools listening to artists perform and discuss their mental health journeys.
Some messages the performers communicated were for students to accept themselves as they are, do the right thing when no one is watching, work hard and be authentic.
