Halton Region – Our Kids Network (OKN) implemented a new project over the past three years that focused on building strength and resiliency in young children. The evidence-based “Early Years Initiative” was possible through a generous investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and included enhanced programming, parent education and information activities. Read the full news release.
Online resource introduces “8 Areas of Focus” to deepen knowledge and understanding of healthy social-emotional development in infants and young children
Halton Region, Ontario –The Halton-based Early Years Mental Health Toolkit is a new online resource for service providers who work with and support families with infants and young children. A comprehensive resource on social-emotional development in the first six years of a child's life, the toolkit was developed by the Our Kids Network (OKN) Early Years Mental Health (EYMH) Committee. Read the news release. Read the Inside Halton story
November 20 is the 25th annual National Child Day Halton Region, Ontario – Twenty-five years ago, the Canadian government proclaimed November 20 as National Child Day to commemorate two historic events: the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the UN adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Read more
Survey asked youth about peer relationships, safety, bullying, and physical activity Two new reports outline the results of the 2015-2016 Tell Them From Me /OurSCHOOL surveys of elementary and secondary students across Halton Region. The results show that most Halton students value what they’re learning in school, have at least one close friend, and are physically active; at the same time, some students are lacking a sense of belonging at school and many are exceeding the recommendations for daily recreational screen time.
Full news release 2015-2016 Tell Them From Me / OurSCHOOL Elementary Report 2015-2016 Tell Them From Me / OurSCHOOL Secondary Report
Halton iparent and Information Hub provide online support and valuable information to build parenting skills. With Family Day (Monday, February 20) approaching, Our Kids Network wants to remind parents, other caregivers, and everyone that strong families are an essential part of a healthy community. Read the news release.
Premier joins discussion with Our Kids Network on community hubs Our Kids Network was delighted to host The Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, The Hon. Indira Nadoo-Harris, Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care, and Karen Pitre, Special Advisor to the Premier on Community Hubs, at the OKN Acton Hub at McKenzie Smith Bennett Public School on November 8. Read the full story.
The OKN Community Hubs, located in Acton, Milton and Aldershot, bring people and organizations together from across Halton Region improving the lives of children, youth and families. Each Hub is located at a school, is managed by a coordinator, and makes services more accessible to neighbourhoods. They all have classroom-sized space for community programs provided by OKN members and other community partners. Learn more
Cree teachings say that identical twins are born with two bodies, but share one heart. Meet Tapwewin and Pawaken, 10-year-old brothers trying to make sense of the world, their family and each other. http://bit.ly/2qKMOFy #NationalAboriginalMonth Go to cbc.ca for more documentaries on the lives and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s history and future.
How does volleyball help heal? 18-year-old Alicia Mollen explores her history of being bullied, then recovering and building a healthy life. http://bit.ly/2qJLgY4 #NationalAboriginalMonth Go to cbc.ca for more documentaries on the lives and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s history and future.
Yagorihwanirats, a young Mohawk child, attends a unique and special school: a Mohawk immersion program, inspired by her great-grandmother - who, as a child, was forced to not speak her language. http://bit.ly/2rOnePZ #NationalAboriginalMonth Go to cbc.ca for more documentaries on the lives and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s history and future.
Filmmaker J.J. Neepin recreates her great-grandfather's portrait and explores the responsibility of wearing a headdress. "To me, the headdress is a symbol of leadership." http://bit.ly/2rOetpb #NationalAboriginalMonth Go to cbc.ca for more documentaries on the lives and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s history and future.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 14. OKN guest blogger, Kathie Callan, a mom, grandmother, foster mom, aunt, and caring friend to youth reflects on being a mother to many different children. Read the blog.
“The Forum’s focus was on ‘creating environments where meaningful relationships for children and youth will thrive.’ As we came together, some as staff teams, some as single representatives from our organizations, we knew that this day would be different." Read the blog.
7 Strategies to Use the Power of Relationships, Research and Knowledge to Help Kids Thrive
Practical ideas and strategies to use relationships, research and knowledge to work towards the Halton 7 (seven conditions of well-being to ensure that all children thrive). Booklet