Interconnexions Project
International Survey of Principals Concerning Emotional and
Mental Health and Well-Being (EMHWB)
Dear School Principal/School Leader,
You are invited to complete a short survey designed to identify your needs in the area of school mental health and well-being. This survey is a first step of the Interconnexions project of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) and the International Alliance for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Schools (Intercamhs). Your response, as part of a global data collecting activity, will be used to develop strategies to assist you in the challenges you face in school mental health and well-being.
There are 3 ways you can complete the survey:
1. Complete and submit the survey online (our preferred method).
2. Download the survey as a Word document, save your file and send it as an email attachment to [email protected]
3. If you have limited access to a reliable internet connection or do not have Microsoft Word, download and print the survey as a Word document or PDF and fax to +1-617-527-4096 or mail to:
Intercamhs c/o Cheryl Vince Whitman
55 Chapel Street
Newton, MA 02458-1060
USA
Completing the survey should take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Results are anonymous and will be posted on the ICP website and used for planning purposes. Below we offer some definitions to assist you. For more details about definitions and a whole school approach to mental health, please visit the Intercamhs website. Deadline for survey submission is 30 June 2008.
Addressing emotional and mental health issues for students and their families is critical for learning and quality of life. Mental health and well-being is also a critical workplace issue for all staff. Based on the findings of this survey, ICP and Intercamhs will develop strategies such as education and training materials for school principals/leaders.We greatly appreciate your assistance. Thank you in advance for your reply.For questions, please contact Professor Louise Rowling, President, Intercamhs ([email protected]) or Cheryl Vince Whitman, Vice President, Intercamhs ([email protected]).
Sincerely,
Louise Rowling, President, Intercamhs
Cheryl Vince Whitman, Vice President, Intercamhs
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Definitions of mental health, mental health promotion, mental health difficulties and prevention of disorders:
Mental health is the capacity of individuals and groups to interact with one another and the environment in ways that promote subjective well being, the optimal development and use of cognitive, affective and relational abilities, the achievement of individual and collective goals consistent with justice (Australian Health Ministers 1998 p.26).
Mental health promotion seeks to improve school psychosocial environments, skills-based health education for social, emotional learning and brings resources and programs to all students to promote health, successful teaching and learning and academic success (www.intercamhs.org).
Mental health difficulties involves a broad range of emotional and behavioural difficulties that cause concern or distress and frequently affect childrens learning at school as well as their behaviour at home, at school and with peers (KidsMatter 2007).