Catholic student trustee pushes for mental health policy By Tim Whitnell METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP 3 · Friday, May 7, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com People with mental health issues can experience serious problems at home and school with the ultimate potential tragedy being suicide. For Steven Slowka, a student trustee with the Halton Catholic District School Board, personal knowledge and stories related to him about Halton students who ended their own lives spurred him to push for a mental health policy within the board. The policy's aim is to de-stigmatize mental health issues and get help or guidance for those who need and want it. The Catholic board of trustees took the first step toward implementing a new policy on mental health when they voted in favour of adopting it in its present form and sending the newly-formed policy to parents and other stakeholders within the board for their input. The mental health policy will come back to the board for discussion of the public's reaction to it and at some point to be voted on by trustees for final acceptance as a new policy. Slowka, who advocated for the policy and had a major part in developing its wording, told the board he hopes it can be implemented before the end of the current school year. He believes it could be used as a template by other school boards. The Grade 12 student at Christ The King Secondary School in Georgetown said it was while attending a Halton student senate meeting last November that he learned of the suicides of a couple of Oakville St. Ignatius of Loyola students the previous school year. "There was also a peer of mine in elementary school, who took her life about four years ago," said Slowka, in explaining his interest in pushing for a formal mental health policy at the board. "It's a great issue and it needs to be addressed," he stressed. Just how much of a student's or school/board employee's personal information, such as a mental health issue, can be shared with others is a major consideration, said trustees and senior administrators at the recent board meeting. "On a need-to-know basis, it may be shared with certain staff, with parental permission," Theresa Wilson, the board's chief social worker, said from the audience. Education Director Michael Pautler echoed that sentiment saying the board is limited in what personal information it can share due to privacy policies and whether a person or parent chooses to inform the board. "Depression among teens seems to be the most prevalent thing we hear about these days. We've got the staff with some training," saidOakville trustee Pauline Houlahan during the board meeting. Houlahan suggested the board's chaplains at each of the Catholic board's eight high schools could get involved from a compassionate standpoint. The mental health policy states, in part, "The Halton Catholic District School Board recognizes that mental health issues require the same consideration as physical health issues. The board commits to actively seek out, support and address any concerns regarding mental health in all its employees and students." Under the direction of Pautler and Wilson, the board intends to form a mental health leadership team comprised of board employees and members of the public. Free hearingand over test For those 55 years old ial aring Aid Spec f rom $295 He y RETAIL & WHOLESALE LIGHTING FINAL WEEKEND SALE Featuring lighting from Framburg · Corbett · Troy · Hudson Valley Stonegate Designs · Art Craft and much more If within 60 da we will give you a 100% refund chase · The latest in hearing technology available · Over 20 years experience · We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB and Green Shield clients Call now to book your appointment: 905-827-7333 Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 Oakville's Finest LIGHTING STORE 243 Speers Road · Between Kerr & Dorval · Oakville, ON ELEGANT 905.849.LITE (5483) DISTINCTIVE www.conceptlighting.ca