As a new school year begins, i extend my heartfelt wishes for a fantastic year ahead. Whether you're in elementary, high school, or pursuing higher education, this journey is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection.
To the students: Embrace every moment of discovery, challenge, and friendship. Your dedication and curiosity will lead to success.
To the teachers: Your guidance and passion inspire the future. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to shaping young minds.
To the support staff: Your tireless efforts ensure a smooth educational experience for all. Your work behind the scenes is invaluable.
To the parents: Your support and encouragement are the foundation of each student's success. Your partnership with schools is truly remarkable.
Together, we create a community that fosters knowledge, resilience, and dreams. Let's make this school year one to remember!
Wishing you all a safe, fulfilling, and wonderful year ahead.
PROVINCE RECOGNIZES WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
The Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing September 10, 2023, as World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is an opportunity to promote understanding about suicide, remove the stigma often connected to mental illness and distress, encourage people to reach out for help, and provide support for those affected by a suicide attempt or loss.
"Losing a family member, friend or colleague to suicide is a tragedy that deeply affects the entire community," Mental Health and Addictions Health Minister Tim McLeod said. "Mental health and suicide prevention continue to be high priorities for our government."
Released in 2020, Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan serves as a guide for government and partners to improve and expand suicide prevention efforts in the province. Some key provincial suicide prevention initiatives include:
- Roots of Hope community-led project that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide in the northern communities of La Ronge, Meadow Lake, and Buffalo Narrows;
- ongoing support for a suicide prevention public awareness campaign;
- launch of a provincial safe medication disposal program, to reduce the risk of intentional overdose;
- media training on the challenges of reporting on mental health and suicide, sponsored by the Mental Health Commission of Canada; and
- free virtual suicide prevention training for non-clinicians, created by Living Works and offered through Canadian Mental Health Association-Saskatchewan.
In collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, work is underway to implement "988", a national suicide crisis number being launched later this year.
Work is also underway on a postvention program, an initiative that offers timely support services to individuals and families experiencing a suicide loss. The Ministry of Health has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find an organization to develop and operate a provincial suicide postvention program. It is anticipated that the successful proponent will be announced this fall.
In addition, plans are underway to collaborate with the Ministry of Government Relations and the Embracing Life initiative, partnering across multiple jurisdictions to support the development of community-based suicide prevention solutions and strategies.
This year Saskatchewan is investing a record $518 million in mental health and addictions services including $2.25 million specifically for suicide prevention initiatives.
For information about resources available on suicide prevention and mental health, visit saskatchewan.ca/u-good.
NEW ALS TREATMENTS NOW COVERED UNDER PROVINCES PUBLICLY FUNDED DRUG PLAN
People living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may benefit from the addition of two medications to the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary.
The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding treatment options for those living with ALS by listing Albrioza (sodium phenylbutyrate and ursodoxicoltaurine) and the oral suspension of Radicava (edaravone) on the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary. Effective September 1, eligible ALS patients who meet certain medical criteria may be considered for coverage of these medications under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.
"Providing patients living with ALS additional treatment options is crucial, given the speed at which this disease progresses," Minister of Health Everett Hindley said. "Saskatchewan residents living with ALS know how debilitating this disease can be. Including these medications on the Saskatchewan Formulary gives patients access to potentially life-changing treatments."
New ALS Treatments Now Covered Under Provinces Publicly Funded Drug Plan | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
FIRE RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
To help ensure students understand emergencies and fire safety, the SPSA has a resource kit for teachers to share with their students - or for anyone to use with their children.
The kit includes:
• Fire Safety Tips with Sparky the Fire Dog
• Fire Inspection Checklist with Sparky
• Fire Safety Word Scramble Activity Sheet
• Kitchen Safety Search and Find Activity Sheet
• Fire House Colouring Math Activity Sheet
• Choose an Outside Meeting Place Activity Sheet
• Home Fire Escape Plan Activity Sheet
Print and share these resources by visiting: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/.../140078/download.
For more information on emergencies and fire safety, check out saskpublicsafety.ca.
