At Edmonton Catholic Schools, student learning and student well-being are deeply connected. When children feel safe, supported, and known, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Integrated Health and Well-being Framework brings together how our schools support students’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being in a consistent and coordinated way across the Division. This work is grounded in our Catholic identity and our commitment to care for the whole child.

Read the Integrated Health and Well-being Framework - secondary medium button

The Integrated Health and Well-being Framework is now in its second year. It is designed to strengthen and align the work already happening in schools so that students and families experience consistent care and clear pathways to support.

What This Means for Students and Families

Clear supports in every school through Wellness Champions

Each Edmonton Catholic School has a designated Wellness Champion. Their role helps strengthen student well-being by connecting people, supports, and resources within the school community. Wellness Champions work closely with school leadership, teachers, chaplains, counsellors, and Division supports to promote a caring, welcoming, and safe school environment. Families can be confident there is a clear point of connection within every school.

Mental health support when it is needed

Schools have access to mental health professionals and supports to respond to student needs. Supports range from everyday classroom practices that build belonging and resilience to more targeted help for students who need additional support.

Social and emotional learning as part of daily school life

Students learn skills such as self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, relationship building, and perseverance through age-appropriate classroom practices and school experiences. These skills support learning, relationships, and well-being both at school and beyond.

Learning, safety, and well-being are connected

Student well-being is not separate from learning. When students feel safe, cared for, and understood, they are more engaged and better able to learn. This framework helps schools bring learning, well-being, and safety together.

Faith and care at the centre

Our Catholic faith guides this work. Prayer, reflection, pastoral care, and Gospel values are part of how schools support students’ well-being. Caring for the dignity of each person is central to who we are.

Supporting staff so they can support students

Educators and staff are supported through coordinated professional learning and leadership supports focused on student well-being, safe school environments, and care for the whole school community. Supporting staff well-being helps ensure stable, welcoming classrooms for students.

More Information & Resources:

• Health & Well-being in Edmonton Catholic Schools
• Mental Health Resources
• Kidshelpphone.ca: Kids Help Phone is a free, confidential service where children and youth can talk to a trained counsellor or crisis responder any time, day or night.
• Kickstand Connect: Kickstand Connect offers free, confidential virtual mental health support for youth ages 11–25, including one‑on‑one sessions and group spaces, with no referral required.