March 6 to 12, 2023 is Social Work Week (SWW) in Ontario, and across Canada, March is National Social Work Month.

Across Ontario, school social workers have been there for students and families, providing support and connection to essential services in a time of extraordinary challenges.

This year's Social Work Week campaign themes, #SocialWorkIsEssential and #MobilizingMentalHealth, speak to the diverse roles that social workers play in mobilizing mental health access for Ontarians, from providing critical support, to navigating complicated health, mental health and social services systems.

“The HWCDSB school social workers strive every day to support, advocate and pathway students and families, especially after the many years of COVID disruptions. Their expertise, patience and devotion make them a true asset to our system and Catholic education. I am blessed every day to work alongside such a wonderful group of individuals,” says Jenny Athanasiou-Malisa, Manager, Social Work Services.

“As Bishop Bergie stated in his Faith Day address, our Social Workers are a part of Catholic education, helping our students realize that they have the tools to be whatever they want to be,” she adds.

“Our social workers have truly demonstrated their commitment and belonging within Catholic education.”

During Social Work Week, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board would like to recognize and thank its 17 school social workers for their dedication and example.

***

Celebrate your school social workers by posting messages and photos on the #MobilizingMentalHealth and #SocialWorkIsEssential hashtags on Twitter and Facebook.

Learn more at www.oasw.org.