A Call to be Kind – It’s Mental Health Week

As we step into Mental Health Week from May 6 to 12, the theme “A Call to be Kind” invites us all to embrace compassion, the cornerstone of well-being. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, compassion is more than a benevolent feeling—it’s a health elixir, a wellspring of joy, and a bridge connecting us to others.

Compassion's health impacts are profound. It not only alleviates the emotional weight of others but also boosts our own mental state. Acts of kindness release oxytocin, famously known as the “love hormone,” enhancing our mood and spiraling us into happiness. The beauty of compassion is that it’s reciprocal: the joy of giving is as rewarding as the warmth of receiving.

This year, Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) is celebrating the week through creative expression with a T-Shirt Design Contest. Organized by the Right From The Start (RFTS) team, this contest invites students from Kindergarten to Gr. 8, along with school staff, to illustrate what RFTS signifies to them. RFTS, a cornerstone program within CRPS, focuses on fostering mental health and well-being among students. This contest offers a platform for participants to express their understanding and appreciation of mental health initiatives through art. It’s an opportunity to visualize hope, support, and resilience, key themes that resonate deeply within our school communities.

Entries are categorized by age groups—K-3, 4-6, and 7-8—and a special category for staff, ensuring that everyone has a chance to showcase their unique perspective on mental well-being. The selected winners will have the honour of seeing their design on T-shirts, spreading their message of compassion every time the shirt is worn.

As Mental Health Week unfolds, let’s remember that each gesture of kindness has the potential to transform a life. This week is a powerful reminder of our shared human experience—how simple acts of compassion can elevate our collective mental health and fortify our community. By embracing the theme "A Call to be Kind," we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing an environment where compassion flourishes. Let's carry this spirit beyond just one week and make empathy and understanding enduring parts of our lives. Together, we can cultivate a healthier, more compassionate world—one kind act at a time.