b'58 2019-2020 | ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 | ANNUAL REPORT 59CONNECTING DURING COVID-19 LIFE\'S CHALLENGES ARE NOT SUPPOSEDSTAFF FROM ACROSS THE LOUIS RIEL SCHOOL DIVISION (LRSD) WORKED TOGETHER TOTO PARALYZE YOU; THEY\'RE SUPPOSED TO DEVELOP AND SHARE RESOURCES TO ENSURE THE WELL-BECOMING OF THE LRSD COMMUNITYHELP YOU DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE.AND TO MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION DURING THE MOVE TO REMOTE LEARNING IN MARCH 2020. - Bernice Johnson Reagon, Composer, Scholar and Social Activist The unprecedented announcement of a world-wideand an added emphasis on mental wellness were just apandemic and suspension of classes in Manitoba hasfew ways physical education teachers across the division undoubtedly been a challenge for everyone, said Maryrose to the challenge of remote learning. They provided Markesteyn, Clinical Services Supervisor of Well-Becoming.many opportunities for students to get moving andBeing social and maintaining positive connections andstay connected.relationships has been crucial during this time ofphysical distancing." Staff also took care of each other, too. Staff at cole Varennes sent wellness packages to colleagues with items School clinicians shared information and resources to to brighten each other\'s day or the Student Services team help students understand the virus and alleviate fears at Collge Bliveau who contacted each staff member for and worries. Families were also offered support, such as a personal check-in. how-to videos about navigating online learning, food hampers and access to the internet. These acts of kindness and caring help to provide a sense of belonging, said Markesteyn. Clinicians, Learning Team Whether it was a personal phone call, a message postedteachers and school staff work collaboratively to ensure on the school portal, an inspirational video posted tothe mental health and well-becoming of our students.YouTube or family check-ins about supports, LRSD staff reached out in many ways to make students feel that theywere loved and missed. Staff at all 40 schools also came up with creative ways toFOCUSING ON THE HERE AND be together with students while staying physically apart in an attempt to provide some form of normalcy during such an uncertain time. Staff at Dakota Collegiate posted dailyNOW AND FINDING A LITTLE video announcements; senior administration at Niakwa Place School completed a 25-kilometre bike ride to visitJOY ONCE IN A WHILE IS AN students; divisional music specialists hosted a virtual Folk Dance in the Park; staff from J.H. Bruns Collegiate,IMPORTANT PART OF WELL-Shamrock School and numerous schools organized car parades through students neighbourhoods. The list goes on and on. BEING AND RESTORATIVE Encouraging students to continue to be active and stayMENTAL HEALTH. mentally healthy while spending more time than ever at home was another important aspect of supporting both physical and mental health. Livestreamed workouts,- Mary Markesteynhousehold items transformed into gym equipment'