Starting Well 2026 – Stories of Inspiration! | Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

By Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB - Jan 30, 2026

Starting Well is an initiative focused on supporting mental health and well-being as we begin the new year. The purpose of this campaign is to help students, families, and staff feel connected, prepared, and ready to learn after the winter break. More information and resources are available on the dedicated Starting Well portal page.

As we wrap-up January and KPR’s 2026 Starting Well campaign, we invite you to read about some of the positive mental health promotion efforts happening at schools across KPR!

Harold Longworth PS Messages of Kindness

Students at Harold Longworth Public School are spreading kindness and supporting overall well-being through a unique initiative designed and led by a group of intermediate students. With the goal of helping everyone at school feel valued, students created a plan to share personalized “snowflake messages” — one for every student and staff member.

To engage all classes and grade levels, intermediate students are writing messages for Juniors, Juniors for Primary, Primary for Intermediates, and Kindergarten classes are partnered with LLS students.

Custodians, secretaries, and administrators are also included, ensuring that every member of the school community receives a message of kindness.

“This school‑wide initiative celebrates kindness and inclusion and creates meaningful opportunities for connection,” shares Vice Principal Tony Carcone. “The intention behind this activity truly speaks to the positive culture we are building here at Harold Longworth PS, and ensuring everyone in our building is recognized.”

This work serves as an example that not only spreads joy and boosts wellness within a school community, but also highlights the powerful impact of youth leadership when students are given space to bring their ideas to life.

Crestwood SS Mental Health Workshops

Student Mental Health Leaders at Crestwood, under the guidance of school Mental Health Clinician Olivia Kempkes, are offering a series of student-led workshops designed to share practical tips and strategies that support student mental health at school. These workshops aim to create a supportive environment where students can learn from one another and build skills to manage everyday challenges.

The first workshop took place during lunchtime in the cafeteria in the week leading up to exams.

This session focused on exam stress, providing students with strategies to manage anxiety, stay organized, and approach exams with greater confidence.

Principal John Stephenson shared, “It’s inspiring to see students lead the way in supporting one another. We’re proud to continue creating opportunities for students to share their voices, build community, and lift each other up with practical mental health strategies.”

Strengthening Student Well-Being at Hillcrest PS through an Equity-Driven Approach!

Hillcrest Public School (PS) is strengthening student well-being through a collaborative, equity‑driven approach that places mental health at the centre of school life. By elevating student voice and fostering strong relationships between students and staff, Hillcrest continues to build a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.

French teacher Faith Meadows supports three junior Mental Health Ambassadors, who work closely with the school’s Equity Club to plan initiatives that promote wellness, connection, and kindness.

Together, they help lead schoolwide activities such as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, Pink Shirt Day, and during the month of January, a special focus on KPR Let’s Connect/Bell Let’s Talk Day, creating opportunities for students to learn, reflect, and check in on their mental health.

A key feature of the school’s commitment to belonging and well-being is its vibrant Welcome bulletin board, which helps create a welcoming environment for all!