Demystifying IEPs
Thursday, May 1 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
IEPs (Individual Education Plans) can benefit students in many ways. But how can parents and caregivers navigate through the process?
Join Sastee Maharaj, a local ABA therapy expert, to learn how home life can support school life so students thrive.
Individual Education Plans for Ontario students are on the rise. The creation of the IEP document involves the child, parents/guardians, teachers, and principals. This program is intended to explain IEPs to parents/guardians who may be unfamiliar with the process, and to empower them to support the student at home. Focus is on the elementary school age.
Helpful resources
- Short (9 minute) video that provides an overview of the IEP process in Ontario from LD@School - What is an IEP?
- Ministry of Education Special education in Ontario Kindergarten to Grade 12 - Policy and resource guide.
- Article and podcast produced by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) which helps parents and families better understand the IEP process. Beyond the Bell - Understanding IEPs
- SMCDSB Parent Guide to the IEP
Perimenopause: What You Need to Know
Monday, May 12 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive community that truly understands you
can bring a powerful sense of connection, making you feel seen, heard, and valued.
Join us for a relaxed panel discussion exploring the mental health aspects of perimenopause.
Bring your questions and stories.
Featuring mental health advocate Omolara Akerele (left) and Kimberly Yhap, Registered Nurse, Menstrual and Hormonal Wellness Coach.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Children's Mental Health Information Session
Thursday, May 15 • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
"Early support and intervention for children facing mental health challenges are crucial for healthy development and the formation of long-term coping strategies."
School Mental Health Ontario: https://tinyurl.com/2wxba4zd
Presented by Anushka Fernandes MSW, RSW
Are you a parent or caregiver who is feeling stuck or unsure about what to do about your child’s meltdowns? Is your child struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or grief? Are you looking for support for your child’s mental health concerns, or feel overwhelmed with where to go for support?
This free information session will cover brief information (psychoeducation) regarding brain development and emotional regulation, mood and behaviour, and a generalized overview of navigating support for children and families. The goal of this session will be to support parents and caregivers with learning more about children’s mental health.
Topics covered will include: Defining children’s mental health, Common Mental Health Concerns, Overview of brain development, Overview of behaviour and emotional regulation, and Community Resources/ How to access formal support.
About our presenter
Hi, I'm Anushka! I'm a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in Ontario who is passionate about Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I bring with me over 10 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in a variety of settings (including youth recreational programming, the Ontario shelter system, Community Mental Health- Child and Adult).
I currently work as a Social Worker who provides psychotherapy for children and adults through my private practice in Bradford and Newmarket. My areas of work include supporting individuals who are experiencing concerns with mood and behaviour, grief and loss, and childhood/ attachment based trauma. My area of specialty is in pediatric mental health (children 6 years+) and parenting work.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library
Side Hustle Support Group
Pantry Hacks - New Monthly Series
Wednesday, May 14 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
How can you save money, buy local and Canadian, and make great meals? Join Gail to explore new ways to stock your pantry and tips for organization and storage.
May 14: Planning for Canning featuring Martha Rogers from The Valley Preservery
June 23: BBQ Rubs and Marinades
English Conversation Corner
A friendly space for anyone looking to practice speaking English and connecting with one another.The BWG Music and Poetry Circle
What's a music and poetry circle? Come see for yourself! Bring a song, an instrument, or a piece of poetry.
You can also just sit, relax, and enjoy as neighbours go round the circle and each share something they're working on.
All ages and experience levels welcome, and we hope to see you there!
Upcoming Meetings: May 25, June 22.
Self-Care Toolkit
Self-Care Toolkit
Monday, April 28 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Are you looking to prioritize your well-being, find joy in life, and effectively manage stress?
Join our Self-Care Toolkit series at the Library, where you'll embark on a transformative journey towards a happier and more balanced life.
Upcoming meetings: March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23.
Kinark Autism Services in the Café
Wednesday, April 30 • 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Is someone in your family on the autism spectrum? Kinark Autism Services is here to support children, youth, and families on their journey with autism.
Kinark will be at the Library with some giveaways, good advice, and fun for the little ones.
Get connected with Kinark in our Café.
Tai Chi Club
Wednesday, May 7 • 1 - 2 p.m.
Join other Tai Chi enthusiasts and practice this low impact exercise in a relaxed atmosphere. New members are welcome!
Want to practice between Club sessions? Alex recommends this video.
Upcoming meetings: May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18.
Book Clubs at a Glance
Join us twice a month for our relaxed discussions of interesting books. We meet in the Library, and over Zoom.
New members are always welcome.
For information, and to get a copy of one of these books, contact Elizabeth at ecampbell@bradford.library.on.ca
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Adult Book Club - now with two meeting options per month Tuesday, April 29 • 2 - 3 p.m. - New Daytime Book Club Wednesday, April 30 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
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Historical Fiction Book Club Wednesday, May 21 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Last Russian Doll by Kristen Loesch
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Adult Book Club Tuesday, May 27 • 2 - 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 • 6:30 7:30 p.m. |
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Psychological Thriller + Mystery Book Club Wednesday, June 18 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
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Adult Book Club Tuesday, June 24 • 2 - 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 • 6:30 7:30 p.m. |
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Historical Fiction Book Club Wednesday, July 16 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
Chess Night
Returning Thursday, April 3 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join fellow chess players for a few friendly battles on the board.
Free, drop-in!
Want some coaching to become a better chess player? Check out the Featured Resources on our Brainfuse site for live chess tutoring and more!
Free with your Library card.
BWG Writers' Circle
Thursday, May 1 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
The BWG Writers’ Circle offers support for writers ages 18+. Join writers of all skill levels, from aspiring creative to published author, for tips and tricks, publishing news, good laughs, and optional sharing of written work.
This group meets: the first Thursday in-person at the Library, and online the third Tuesday each month.
Upcoming meetings at the Library: May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4.
My Sisters Place Drop-In Outreach
Wednesday, May 14 • 1 - 4 p.m.
Every month on the second Wednesday, an advocate from My Sister's Place will be at the Library to provide services on a drop-in basis.
Services can include: crisis support; short-term individual counselling; safety planning; legal advocacy and support; housing advocacy and support; and community referrals and resources.
Upcoming dates: May 14, June 11.
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