Friday, May 19, 2017

Students Participate in Wellness Workshops

Grade 8-12 students participated in various wellness workshops and activities on Friday May 11. The workshops focused on how students can stay healthy, both physically and mentally. The students learned how to relieve stress, practice healthy living, and improve their overall health, including their mood and energy.
An example of a student colouring on a
mandala-inspired colouring page
The students spent the day engaging with several presenters who led various sessions such as "Gym  Fitness," "Anxiety," and "Nutrition." All of these sessions were directed on how students can live healthier and happier.

Students took part in colouring mandalas that helps remove focus from negative emotions and habits, and channel them into a safe and productive form. It has many other positive effects on mental health, and is the main reason for the surge in popularity of "adult colouring books."



Various essential oils and an oil diffuser 
The students also attended a workshop on the benefits of using essential oils. The students learned that using essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil can have relaxing and soothing effects, can help skin conditions, and even help counteract cold and flu symptoms.

The students also experienced an oil diffuser which diffuses the oil and disperses the vapour into the air. The oils also have positive effects on mental and physical health, helping you sleep and relax and elevate your mood. The diffusers are a safer alternative to candles and incense.

The students were taught all of these benefits and got to smell various essential oils and experience the effects of an oil diffuser.

Several students taking part in the fitness workshop
The students also attended a session in the gym where they learned about fitness and different methods that they can use to be healthier and happier.

They learned about various exercises and workouts that are not very strenuous or excessive, but are fun and easy for anyone to take part in. The students went through each exercise with their presenter, and tried them all together, making for a fun and effective workout.


The students experienced a full morning of learning how to keep themselves happier and healthier, and were encouraged to try and practice more of these healthy habits on their own time. The students were all enthusiastic, and the presenters were very engaged with the students. They helped to guide the students through easy but effective ways to improve their mental and physical health.

The workshop presenters were Wendy Vickers, Gloria Kelly, April Jardine, Chanelle Melanson, Christy Jamieson, Dr. Tiffany Keenan and Danny Underhill.

Article by Veronica Pond and Paulina Sturgeon
Photos by Jenna Coulter