Grade 7/8 Mental Health Literacy Modules: Supporting Student Well‑Being

The Ministry of Education has introduced a series of Mental Health Literacy modules for Grades 7 and 8, designed to strengthen the existing expectations in Strand D of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. These educator‑led lessons provide students with inclusive, culturally responsive, and evidence‑informed knowledge and skills to support their mental health and overall well‑being.

Developed through extensive consultation with parents and caregivers, students, and cultural and community organizations, the modules respond to clear needs in our classrooms. Research and feedback highlight several key reasons why this learning matters:

• Students want more opportunities to learn about mental health at school.
• Building mental health skills supports positive well‑being.
• Strong mental health supports learning across all subject areas.
• These lessons can prompt important conversations and help students access support when needed.
• As caring adults, we want every young person to feel well and supported.

Students at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School created a video as part of the Grade 8 Mental Health Literacy Module. After completing learning as a class, students were challenged to produce a public service announcement. A group including Justin, Tunmise, John, Xahkai, Xavier, Devin and Adrian, chose to create a video titled “One Message” as a reminder that small acts of kindness and how we treat others can significantly impact someone’s life. With most communication now happening through personal devices, reaching out with positivity is easier, and more important, than ever.