Girls' Lunch Program and In-Class Visits at John A. McDougall School
At lunchtime, warm chatter and connection fill the walls of John A. McDougall School. With Meena, the school’s mental health therapist, young girls build relationships and explore their feelings together. Each grade has a day during the week when they gather together. They share their emotions, laugh, and move their bodies through dance.
Many of the girls hear about the program through their friends. “My friend used to be here in kindergarten, and she told me that it’s fun and you get to share your feelings,” mentioned Layla, a grade 4 student. The girls begin by eating lunch in a sharing circle and talking about their current emotions. Then, they have time to engage in activities like games or making up group dances.
Hailey, grade 6, mentioned how the girls are free to participate based on their level of comfort. “You don’t have to participate in everything, and you can just leave whenever you want. You don’t have to stay the whole time.”
In addition to the lunch program, Meena also hosts in-class visits. She drops in and teaches students about their brains and how it impacts their emotions. Grade 3 student Sampada loves that she has “learned about endorphins and the two sides of the brain. The boss brain, which is in your forehead, and the lizard brain, which is in the back.”
Using Indigenous traditions, students sit in a circle. They pass a speaking stone, share their favourite feeling, and something about themselves. "The most helpful thing that I’ve learned is that it’s good to use your feelings sometimes instead of holding them in,” shared Vivian, grade 5. Alongside education and connection, students watch yoga and dance videos to get their bodies moving.
These programs allow all students to meet Meena. Whether they attend private meetings or see her in the classroom, students recognize her as a safe place.
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