True but it’s the preparation and sharing of it that really feeds the mind, heart and soul. You can eat to satisfy the basic need of hunger but it’s only with the mindful attention to wellness that food can truly offer a valuable boost to mood, confidence, and self-esteem.
In my 30 + years as an educator, I have weaved opportunities to welcome students in the kitchen all the time! Whether it was with my peer leadership groups baking treats to sell at community fundraisers, cooking together as part of mental wellness strategies, or running weekly cooking sessions with newcomers, the kitchen was the perfect classroom. A delicious way of building community, the food that we prepared did so much more than just satisfy hunger. Skills in self-care, communication, problem-solving, and resilience were all wrapped up in the kneading of dough for pizza, crushing tomatoes for sauce, and forming chickpea patties for falafels. Sitting together to enjoy the fruits of our labour allowed for story-telling, the sharing of cultures, and most importantly, the forming of new friendships. The powerful connections created were not just with others in the group but with life itself. Lessons in nutrition and budgeting were gently folded in with promoting gratitude and diversity. Even a pot that boiled over or cupcakes that burnt in the oven provided a glimpse into useful life strategies! Any way you stir the pot, cooking and sharing what you’ve created can leave a lasting positive impact on the individual and the community.
Hosted by the Gaels Culinary Club and the Health Action Team, the event was attended by over 40 students. With the theme of mental wellness, participants enjoyed fun and interactive ways to learn something new, meet other students and get a little exercise, all while connecting with two professional football players.
What do zumba, henna, make-up tips, button-making, stress-reducing tips, self-esteem and great food have in common? They all were part of CHS’s first annual Self-Care Night on April 24th.
The women are part of the Donnici Social Club’s campaign to get others to join the effort, known as #sewgratefulYWCAHamilton.. Spadafora recently donated her first 50 masks, having initially perfected her craft by making the protective equipment for her workplace until a supplier was secured, then for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Everyone remembers the first day of high school. So why not ensure a happy memory? With this in mind, Bishop Ryan’s Celtic Circle joined forces with the student council to host the annual orientation day on Sept. 3 for incoming Grade 9 students.
Stoney Creek’s Emilie Suwala, 16, was among 12 recipients honoured on March 9 by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, during the 34th annual Ontario Junior Citizens of the Year Awards ceremony in her Suite at Queen’s Park.
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Mindy Tweedle stopped by Cardinal Newman Secondary School in Hamilton where over 300 students and staff participated in “Inside Ride” to help their community. This year’s ride was dedicated to student Jacob Binkosky who survived cancer recently.
The 2012 Community Recognition Award went to Imatter — Taking care of teen mental health. Cardinal Newman’s peer mentors group of more than 60 students has garnered national, provincial and local recognition. They were honoured for bringing mental health and illness education to the forefront.