nndsb The Student Achievement and Well-Being program will become permanent at the Near North District School Board.

This is a project that looks at different ways to help students deal with mental health issues such as stress and anxiety, and get them on the right track academically.

Mental Health Lead Sue Lessard says part of the program is helping teachers learn how to deal with students as individuals.

She says “It’s about making that meaningful connection with the child; it’s about having the relationship. You have to take the time to say ‘how was your day, what’s going on with you?’ And that’s a different shift from when it was all about ‘sit in your seat’ and having all the control.”

Lessard says it’s been proven that there is a clear link between learning and their well-being.