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Strategies for Success

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Table of Contents

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03

02

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Organizational Tips/Resources

Research Tips/Resources

Exam Study Tips/Resources

Wellness Tips/Resources

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01

Organizational Tips/Resources

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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

SUN

MON

RETURN TO

IN CLASS LEARNING

TUE

EXAM START/END PERIOD

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

REMOTE LEARNING START/END PERIOD

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

23

28

15

13

31

JAN 5

6

7

11

12

14

9

10

8

22

18

19

21

16

17

20

29

25

26

24

27

Feb 1

2

30

Feb 4 PA DAY

3

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Daily Schedule

Period 2 Class

Create a list of questions you have for your teacher if the material/assignment is unclear. Ask EARLY on!

Review Course Material in order to prepare for the Performance Task/Exam Expectations NOW.

TIP # 1

Period 5 Class

Period 1 Class

Period 3 Class/lunch

8:10 AM

9:35 AM

10:50 AM

12:10 PM

1:30 PM

Period 4 Class/lunch

TIP # 2

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Organize Your Stuff!

Being organized makes everything else easier. It helps you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.

Keep your assignments and class information organized by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it's time to stop and reorganize!

Clean out your backpack regularly. Decide where to keep returned assignments and things you want to hold on to. Offload things you no longer need to carry around.

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Organize Your Space.

You need a good workspace. Choose someplace quiet enough to focus.

It's best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work.

Don’t work in bed. You might fall asleep!

Have a place set aside for homework. That way, when you sit down, your mind knows you're there to work and can help you focus more quickly.

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Great space: Time to learn!

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Organize Your Time.

Use a planner or organization app to keep track of your schoolwork:

  • Write down all your assignments and when they're due.
  • Break big projects into parts. Note the dates when each part needs to be completed. Mark in your planner when you'll work on each part.
  • Mark the dates you'll have tests, then make a note of when you'll study for them. Don't leave things until the last minute — you'll only end up working twice as hard to do half as well. One sure way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare by studying (really!).
  • Enter other activities on your calendar — such as team practices, drama rehearsals, plans with friends, etc. This helps you see ahead of time when things might get too busy to get all your work done. Use your planner to schedule what time you'll do your schoolwork on days you have other activities.

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Weekly Schedule Plan Example

Prioritize due dates and heavily weighted assignments

TUE

Ensure all Course Assignments are done and submitted

SUN

WED

MON

THU

SAT

FRI

Work on Performance Tasks

Work on Performance Tasks

Performance Task is due

Review & ask questions for Exam

Study for Exams

Work on Performance Tasks

Work on Performance Tasks

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Get Focused!

Avoid Distractions. When you multitask you're less focused. That means you're less likely to do well on that test. Park your devices and only check them after your work is done. Some people concentrate best when it's quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. If you study with music on, make sure it isn't going to sidetrack you into singing the lyrics and dancing all over your room. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it's a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help.

Take Breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused. Get up from your desk, move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Allow your mind to absorb what you've just studied. Break time is when you can put on a song that makes you dance and sing! Just make sure you get back to your studies in a few minutes.

Refocus Yourself. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking about other things, pull your attention back into study mode as soon as possible. Remind yourself that now it's time to stay on task.

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Get It Done!

Stay focused as you do the final steps and details. Encourage yourself and check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder/binder and SUBMIT IT!!!

Double check that the online submission was successful. Make sure you meet the deadline by giving yourself time to spare to do just that. If something goes wrong, you want the time to be able to fix the issue BEFORE the deadline instead of hoping an extension can be granted and causing yourself unnecessary stress. It’s the responsible thing to do and shows respect for your teacher’s time too.

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Checklist that can help you organize, focus, and get it done:

  • DO know your deadlines.
  • DO make a calendar of stages and final due dates.
  • DO include social events on this calendar for time management.
  • DO understand the assignment and expectations.
  • DO give yourself a quiet place to study with all the materials you need.
  • DO give yourself brief breaks.
  • DON'T put work off until the last minute; you'll be too frantic to focus.
  • DON'T do your homework late at night or in bed.
  • DON'T let yourself be bored. Find the aspect of the project or paper that interests you.

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Priorities List Example

STEPS

Write a pending task here

Steps to get there

Check off when complete

Write here your important notes

Fill in the circles as each step is completed to reach your goal.

Write a pending task here

Write a pending task here

Write a pending task here

Write a pending task here

Write a pending task here

Write a pending task here

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Make a To-Do List Example

What’s important:

Steps to get there:

Here you could describe your task

Here you could describe your task

Here you could describe your task

Here you could describe your process

Here you could describe your process

Here you could describe your process

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APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES

These books are available at your library right now!

Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.

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02

Research Tips/Resources

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Start broad, then dive into the specifics. Researching is a big task, so it can be overwhelming to know where to start—there’s nothing wrong with a basic internet search to get you started. Online resources like Google and Wikipedia, while not always accurate, are a great way to orient yourself in a topic, since they usually give a basic overview with a brief history and any key points.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Learn how to recognize a quality source. Not every source is reliable, so it’s crucial that you can recognize the good sources from the not-so-good ones. To determine a reliable source, you’ll need to use your analytical skills and critical thinking, and ask yourself the following questions: Does this source agree with other sources I have found? Is the author an

expert in the field? Does the author’s point of view

have a conflict of interest regarding this topic?

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Verify information from several sources. The internet is a big place, and, for the most part, anyone can say whatever they want online—many websites don’t evaluate their content for factual accuracy. This means that there are plenty of unreliable resources out there, and even many that are outright incorrect. The best way to combat this is to make sure that whatever you find in your research, several different sources can verify that it is true. Rather than going off of one webpage, make sure that at least two other places say something similar.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Be open to surprising answers. Good research is all about finding answers to your research questions—not necessarily as a way to verify what you already think you know. Solely looking for confirmation is a very limiting research strategy, since it involves picking and choosing what information to collect and prevents you from developing the most accurate understanding of the topic. When you conduct research, make sure to keep an open mind so that you can learn as deeply as possible.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Stay organized. During the data collection process, you’ll be seeing a huge amount of information, from web pages to PDFs to videos. It’s vital that you keep all of this information organized in some way to prevent yourself from losing something or not being able to cite something properly. There are plenty of ways to keep your research project organized, but here are a few common ones: Bookmarks in your Internet browser, index cards, and an annotated bibliography that you keep updated as you go.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Take advantage of library resources. If you still have questions about researching, don’t worry—there are plenty of places out there to help you out, even if you’re not a student doing academic or course-related research. In fact, many high school and university libraries offer resources not only for faculty members’ and students’ research but for the larger community. Be sure to check out library websites for research guides or access to specific databases.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Plan for the long process ahead. Establish deadlines for yourself when it comes to data collection, analysis, and the actual writing phase. Aim to meet or exceed these deadlines.Set realistic goals for each session. Divide large projects into a set of smaller tasks. This practice helps prevent binge writing and results in a sense of accomplishment. Be task specific and plan ahead. Take a few minutes near the end of each session to gauge your progress and map out your next steps so you can easily pick up where you left off.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Figure out who you are writing for. What are the expectations of your audience? Consider writing for readers with less background knowledge than your target audience. This should help improve your clarity.Write in a straightforward manner, avoiding clichés. Re-examine any uses of jargon, as they could be covering up unclear thought. Decide which of your findings are important and give them a prominent place. For the sake of clarity, be prepared to relegate some of your findings to the appendices.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

If possible work with others to compile research together. They may have different skill sets that allow for new types of research to be considered that you may not know about. Talking about research findings together allows for meaningful learning and making real world connections. Share your writing with readers of various levels. Their input can prove illuminating. Always proofread a hard copy of your writing. If possible, work with a partner and read your prose out loud, punctuation and all. This can be done virtually too.

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10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS

Write when you’re fresh. You’re more likely to be productive when feeling energized and alert. Ensure you have had enough sleep. Have a snack too! Don’t multitask when researching. Know your own peak periods and work with them rather than against them. This will help with your creativity and allow you to make better critical connections between your research findings and applying them to the project itself.

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CONSIDER REVIEWING

These sources help you find/evaluate accurate and relevant research productively

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03

Exam Study Tips/Resources

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Give yourself enough time to study.

Make a study schedule that fits your way of studying and do not leave anything for the last minute. Write down how many exams you have, how many pages you have to learn, and the days you have left. Afterwards, organize your study habits accordingly.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Make sure your study space is organized.

Make sure you have enough space on your desk to spread your textbooks/notes. Ensure your room is bright and your is chair comfortable. Remove distractions so you can focus. For some individuals, this may mean complete silence, while for others listening to music helps. Some of us need complete order to

focus, while others like to study in a more cluttered

environment. Make sure your study space is pleasant so

that you can fully concentrate.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Use flow charts and diagrams

Visual aids can be especially helpful when revising study material. At the start of a topic, write down everything you already know about the subject. Closer to the exam, transform your revision notes in a diagram. Creating amd reviewing such visuals help with recall when taking the actual exam considerably.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Practice on old exams

4

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice with an old version of previous exams. Also, an old test will help you see the format and formulation of the questions and it will be good for you to know what to expect but also as a worthy practice for measuring the time you need for the actual test.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Explain your answers to others

With the help of your family and friends, you could excel on your exam. Explain them your reasoning for why you have answered a certain question in a certain way. This can be done virtually online too.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Organize study groups with friends

Study groups can help you get the answers you need and finish tasks faster. Just make sure the group is focused on the subject and they are not easily distracted. Meet online in a Google Group to get it done.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Take regular breaks

Regular breaks are needed for the brain to regain its focus. It is not the best tactic to study long hours because long-term retention of knowledge is almost impossible. The most important part of studying is to develop a routine that fits your study style.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Snacking on healthy food is good for the brain

You should not eat unhealthy food while you are studying. Keep your body and brain fit by choosing natural, fresh and vitamins rich food that is good for you and would improve your concentration and memory.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Plan the day of your exams

Check all the rules and requirements for the exam. Plan your route and the time it may take you to reach your destination – then add on some extra time. You do not want to arrive late and deal with even more anxiety.

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10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION

Drink plenty of water

While studying for exams and even during an exam, it is advisable to drink water. Remaining hydrated is vital and adds to your overall positive mood.

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APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES

These books are available at your library right now!

Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.

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04

Wellness Tips/Resources

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School stressors

Well-Being Skills for Students

HDSB students provide quick and helpful well-being skills for students to support their mental health. See videos:

Regulating Difficult Emotions: A One-Minute Skill

Calming Your Body and Mind with Deep Breathing: A quick demonstration

Examining Unhelpful Thoughts: Learning one quick skill to balance your thinking

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Mental Health and Well-Being Strategies and Community Supports

2SLGBTQI+ Tips for Supporting Yourself

  • Youthline.ca - LGBT Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. text :647-694-4275; live chat
  • Trans Lifeline | 1-877-330-6366 | translifeline.org�Trans lifeline is non-profit dedicated to the well-being of transgender people staffed by trans people for trans people. Volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support members of our community might have.
  • Black Youth - Addressing Anti-Black Racism and Its Impact: A Well-Being Toolkit for Families (Durham District School Board) includes children youth and adult books, articles, videos, podcasts related to the impact of anti-black racism and building positive self-image, self-esteem and self-love. ​

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Anxiety, Depression

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Black Youth

  • Self-Love Practices for Black Youth (School Mental Health Ontario)
  • ​The Cultural Youth Mentorship Program supporting Black children, youth and their families provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Age Ministry. Contact: Edson Jeffers (Program CEO) (416) 518-1260 qaedson@gmail.com or Bianca Burns (Program Coordinator) (905) 339-2355 bianca.burns@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
  • Black Youth Helpline:1-833-294-8650

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Bullying, Cyberbullying

Climate Despair

Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

  • Danielle's Place provides prevention and early intervention for youth 8-17 who are at risk of developing an eating disorder.
  • ​Nedic - National Eating Disorder Information Centre nedic.ca videos, resources, articles, brochures. Helpline Toll-free 1-866-633-4220 Email nedic@uhn.ca

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First Nations, Indigenous, Metis, Inuit Youth

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Grief, Bereavement and Loss

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Helping Others

Islamic Youth

  • Islamic Society of North America - MYNA and group development programs for Muslim youth

Muslim Youth

  • Naseeha Helpline (All ages): Muslim support line; 1-866-627-3342 (call) or 1-866-627-3342 (text)

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Self-Injury

Self-Injury Outreach and Support - coping, helping someone

Stress and Coping

Substance Use, Vaping

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Well-Being Strategies Support Lines

  • Kids Help Phone (Up to age 24) Neuro-inclusive support; 1-800-668-6868 text 686868
  • Anonymous Friend - Youth Mental Health Support by Student Volunteers Anonymous Friend through YMCA of Oakville
  • Upopolis - An on-line community for chronically and critically ill youth 10 to 18 to connect with others like them who are going through medical experiences in North America.
  • Al-anon.alateen.on.ca call 416-410-3809 Alateen is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. contacts the Alateen Coordinator at os.alateen@gmail.com or Wendy at discoveringchoices@yahoo.ca to get access to the meetings.

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Well-Being Strategies

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How do I know if additional help is needed?​

​Everyone at one point or another feels worried about their mental health and wonders if they should see someone for help. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Are my thoughts, feelings and behaviours:

Intense? These aren’t mild, everyday fluctuations. They’re stronger and more persistent thoughts, feelings and behaviours than the usual ups and downs of life. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm signal distress and you should seek help right away.

Long-lasting? They’re having a consistent or lingering presence over weeks, months or longer. Many professionals suggest that anything that’s lasted two weeks or longer can be cause for concern.

Having a big impact? They’re beginning to have negative consequences in one’s life, possibly interfering with someone’s ability to function and/or meet their everyday goals.

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If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or have made a plan or have attempted to die by suicide

- seek help from a mental health professional immediately

  • Call 911, ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or
  • KidsHelp Phone - Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868; Text a Counsellor: 686868; Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/​ or
  • contact your family physician or current therapist.
  • You can also talk to your teacher or other staff member who will help get you support.

It is very common to feel awkward about asking for help and think, ‘is my problem too small?’ ‘Too big?’ You might be concerned about what others may think of you. You might even wonder where you can get help, and what help is available. It’s best to reach out and talk to someone. We all have mental health and talking about things is one of the ways we can take care of it! Asking for help can be awkward but you’ll probably feel relieved after you do. See No Problem Too Big or Too Small - Asking for Help for tips on how to start the conversation.​

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Where can I get help for my mental health? ​

There are friends, people at school, within your family and in the community who can help you.

It can feel awkward to ask for help. Here are ways to start a conversation. “I have a tough situation; it’s really bugging me… Can I talk to you about it?”

“I can’t seem to get past the feelings I’m having. I wanted to reach out before things got worse.”

“I’ve been feeling off lately, can I get your help?”

No Problem Too Big or Too Small is a resource that you is a quick reference on when, where, how and with whom you can reach out for help.

My Circle of Support The people, places, and things that support me when I need it. Safe and supportive people care about me and want to support my mental health and well-being.​​​​ View My Circle of Support​ Tri-Fold brochure. ​​​​

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Counselling in the Community

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Counselling in the Community

  • Reach Out Centre for Kids: Live Answer 289-266-0036; Virtual Walk-In; Live Chat
  • SAVIS Tel: 905-825-3622, e-mail: savis@savisofhalton.org: Support for violence or sexual violence in intimate relationships, including trafficking
  • ADAPT Halton: For youth wanting information or help to manage drug, alcohol or gambling concerns
  • Radius Child & Youth Services specializes in working with children, youth, and families who have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessed intimate partner violence.
  • Roots Community Services for children, youth, families who identify as Black, and are from African and Caribbean backgrounds. Culturally responsive counselling is provided.
  • Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY) 416-535-8501, press 2. Self-referrals, Community Referrals, and Physician Referrals. Servicing youth between the ages of 14-24 struggling with mental health and substance issues. Individual, Family and Group support.
  • Punjabi Community Health Services For information call 905-677-0889 ext. 221

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For Crisis Support

  • ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 available 24 hours a day/7 days a week
  • KidsHelp Phone: Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868; Text a Counsellor: 686868; Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/
  • COAST(16+): Neuro-inclusive crisis support; 1-877-825-9011
  • Family doctor
  • Emergency Room
  • Multilingual Distress Line:1-877-298-5444; (TTY) 905-278-4890 Languages served include English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portugese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

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Black Youth

  • Roots Community Services Crisis Line 647-812-9944 Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm For children, youth and families who identify as Black, and are from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

First Nations, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Youth​

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline On-line chat, counselling and crisis support First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 - 855 - 242 - 3310 English, French language and Cree, Ojibway and Inukitut available upon request
  • Indian Residential School Survivors and Family 24 hour crisis line 1-866-925-4419 for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience we provide counselling, cultural and emotional support services

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Sexual Assault or Sex Trafficking

  • SAVIS of Halton: 905-875-1555 provides free, confidential and non-judgmental 24-hour support to all survivors of violence including female-identified, male-identified, and members of the transgender community.

Children’s Aid Society

  • Halton Children’s Aid Society if you or another child/youth are under the age of 18 and require support and protection: Toll Free: 866.607.KIDS (5437​) Phone: 905.333.4441 Fax: 905.333.1844 TTY: 711 (TTY to Voice)

Muslim Youth

  • Naseeha Youth Helpline – a confidential mental health helpline for young Muslims to receive immediate and anonymous support from 12:00-9:00pm over the phone from 7 days a week or over text Monday to Friday: 1-866-627-3342

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Group Topics:

· Identity and Racism

· Self-care and self-love in various cultures and YOU

· Building healthy boundaries

· Guilt culture & you

· What is the immigrant child complex

· Honouring yourself

· Mental health and wellness

· Sharing our lived experiences

Use Google Form: Student Therapeutic group registration form or HDSB Social Work Website

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Abbey Park Wellness Challenge

Consider participating in the Abbey Park 4 Week Wellness Challenge. These are great wellness activities to help you destress and revitalize yourself!

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APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES

These books are available at your library right now!

Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.

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APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES

These books are available at your library right now!

Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.

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APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES

These books are available at your library right now!

Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.

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You can also use SORA the HDSB Online Collection for more resources.

These onlinebooks are available at on SORA right now!

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THANKS FOR REVIEWING THIS GUIDE.

For further resources, contact the

APHS Library Staff

Ms. MacNeil or Ms. Almeida