Going back to school is a hard transition in any year. This year, there are many new changes to adjust to. Here is a collection of links, resources and videos to help you prepare and adapt to the new school year.
Back to school tips and kits
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Just for youth:
- Free2Luv: 10 Tips to Ease Back-To-School Anxiety During COVID-19
- mindyourmind: Tips on back to school
- KidsHelpPhone: back to school checklist (link to pdf)
- Jack.org: Covid-19 resource hub
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Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO):
- 6 Tips for Supporting Your Child's Mental Wellness and Preparing to Return to School
- Back to School Mental Health Toolkit
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School Mental Health Ontario:
- Supporting Mental Health and Wellness During the Return to School (pdf)
- Soutenir la santé mentale et le bien-être pendant la rentrée scolaire : Fiche-conseils pour les parents et les familles (pdf)
- Hamilton Health Sciences' Back to School 2020 YouTube playlist - quick tips for children, youth and families
- Child Mind Institute: Back to school resources
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Articles:
- "Getting Back to School When School Isn’t the Same: 5 Steps to Navigating Successfully" from The Gottman Institute
- "Children may be afraid of masks: here's how to help" (New York Times)
- Back to School: A Youth’s Top Tips for How Parents Can Support their Kids
Helpful YourSpace sessions
- OurSpace youth sessions:
- FamilySpace family sessions:
School Board Updates
- Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB)
- Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWDSB)
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde (Cs Viamonde)
- Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (Csc MonAvenir)
Local Mental Health Supports
- Want to talk to a mental health counselor in Hamilton? You can access brief services through Child & Adolescent Services' virtual walk-in mental health service for children, youth and families (part of Public Health Services, City of Hamilton)
- Not sure what services are available? Waiting for services and feel that there has been a change in your mental health? Get in touch with Contact Hamilton.
- More info on where to find help







