Mental health took centre stage across the Holy Family School Division this month as students in Grades 6 to 9 took part in presentations aimed at breaking down stigma and encouraging early conversations.
Tyler Smith, a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash and a vocal mental health advocate, delivered talks in Estevan and Weyburn that focused on connection, vulnerability and the importance of reaching out for help.
“For students at that age, it’s vitally important to normalize talking about mental health,” said Terry Jordans, superintendent of student services and assessment for the division. “They need to be able to ask for help, and the earlier we can get those conversations going, the better.”
Smith’s message resonated with students, thanks in part to his relatability. As a young speaker with a background in sports, he was able to engage students in an open and accessible way.
“He talks the same language as our students,” Jordans said. “He made it digestible. He talked about being there for your friends and reaching out to people who love you when you need support.”
The events were part of the division’s broader efforts to prioritize mental health, especially during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. In addition to the school presentations, a community event was held in Weyburn, drawing about 80 people. Local organizations—including the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Weyburn branch—hosted a mental health fair before Smith took the stage.
“We want to remove the stigma,” Jordans said. “Our schools have mental health committees, and our counsellors and behaviour consultants do a great job of keeping this conversation going.”
Student reaction to the talks was enthusiastic, with dozens of hands raised during a Q&A session and many lingering afterward to speak with Smith and ask for autographs.
“Middle school students can be a tough audience, but they were fully engaged,” Jordans said. “It really showed us that this is something they’re ready to talk about—and that they need to.”