25 Strengthening Key Staff Supports A focus of this work has been collaboration with the School and Classroom Support Team (SCST) and members of the Clinical Services Team. Guarding Minds data suggested that some of these staff may face unique challenges, prompting further exploration. This work has focused on understanding the complexity of these roles, gathering input from staff across disciplines, and working collaboratively with senior leadership to identify both short- and long-term actions. The goal is to ensure that these critical staff, who play an essential role in supporting students, feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed in their work. Rebuilding Connection and Culture Another important focus has been strengthening workplace culture and rebuilding a sense of connection among staff. “One of the things we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic was this sense of coming together,” Streich said. “Doing activities after school together, team building, fun things throughout the day, being intentional. We had so much separation during the pandemic that when we got back, we kind of lost that sense of doing things together.” Schools have been exploring intentional ways to reconnect through shared activities, collaborative time, and opportunities to strengthen relationships. The Role of Leadership School leaders play a central role in shaping the conditions that support staff well-being. Through this process, many leaders have gained a deeper understanding of how their actions influence workplace culture. Rather than viewing well-being as something separate from their work, leaders are increasingly integrating it into school planning and daily practice. This includes considering how decisions, structures, and interactions contribute to a sense of belonging, purpose, and support among staff. This work has reinforced that leadership for well-being involves guiding collective efforts that strengthen the entire school community. Learning, Challenges, and Growth Supporting staff well-being at a system level is complex work. It requires time, ongoing reflection, and a willingness to navigate diverse perspectives and constraints. Participants in this work have acknowledged that it is both challenging and energy-intensive, particularly within the realities of busy school environments and existing structures. Early Signs of Impact While this work is ongoing, several early indicators of impact are beginning to emerge. Many participating schools are incorporating well-being into their planning for the upcoming school year, identifying specific goals and strategies to strengthen staff experiences. Across the division, there is also growing awareness of the importance of workplace culture and the role it plays in supporting staff and students. There are also signs of shifting mindsets, with leaders and staff increasingly recognizing the importance of collective approaches and the role of workplace conditions in shaping well-being. By focusing on staff well-being, LRSD is strengthening not only its workplaces, but the learning environments that support students every day and ensuring everyone can thrive. Psychological & Social Support Psychological Competencies & Demands Recognition & Reward Workload Management Protection of Physical Safety Organizational Culture Involvement & Influence Growth & Development Balance Civility & Respect Engagement Clear Leadership & Expectations What Does a Mentally Healthy Workplace Look Like? Psychological Protection
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