Submitted by: Mackenzie Arts (GFESS Journalism Team), FEO, May 1, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 17

Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) took a powerful step toward mental wellness with a dedicated Mental Health Week initiative (March 24th – 28th) aimed at reducing stigma, sparking conversation, and supporting student well-being.

The week featured a variety of engaging activities, from a relaxing movie night to a creative hexagon mural displaying student coping strategies. The campaign was spearheaded by GFESS staff and student leaders, with William Connor, the initiative’s coordinator, at the root.

“Our goal was to create a supportive and open environment where students feel safe to talk about their mental health,” said Connor. “This week was about reminding students that they’re not alone and that there are resources and people who care.”

Among the highlights was a “Post-It Positivity” wall where students wrote encouraging messages to each other, covering a bulletin board in bright notes of kindness and support. Another standout was the “Coping Strategies Hexagon Mural,” a collaborative art project where students shared their personal methods for managing stress and emotions, with hopes that others could stop by and learn tips they could use.

“It was amazing to see students not only participate but also inspire one another,” said Dakota Orcutt, who helped organize several of the week’s events. “Sometimes it just takes one person’s story or idea to help someone else feel seen.”

Throughout the week, GFESS also shared video interviews with staff members discussing the importance of mental health awareness and offering advice for students.

“We wanted students to know that supports exist and that people care about them. It helps students to feel less alone” said Connor. “It was powerful to see the compassion and willingness of staff in those videos, and many students connected with them.”

The school also welcomed representatives from the Pathstone Mental Health Foundation and a visit from the School Nurse, who provided information about local mental health supports and services.

“The visit from Pathstone was a key part of our effort to connect students with community resources,” said Orcutt. “Sometimes, reaching out is the hardest step, and we wanted to make that easier.”

A charitable bake sale was organized to raise funds in support of Pathstone, contributing to their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful impact within the community.

On Thursday, the committee held a light-hearted movie night designed to give students a moment of calm and laughter with their peers. Students enjoyed an afternoon to relax and take a break from their everyday stressors.

To wrap up the week, on Friday, students were encouraged to wear green, the Mental Health Awareness colour, to show that Gryphons support Gryphons and that no one is alone. The committee made and sold green ribbons for a small donation every day throughout the week to ensure every student would have something green to wear to show support and raise awareness.

Above all, the initiative was a reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and ongoing conversations about mental health.

“This is just the beginning,” said Connor. “We’re committed to making mental wellness a year-round focus at GFESS.”

Anyone struggling with their mental health is encouraged to call the Pathstones support line at 1-800-263-4944