Mick E. Moose Brings Mental Wellness to Gladstone School
February 21, 2025
Gladstone School students welcomed special guests during February’s "I Love to Read" celebration. Mick E. Moose and Project 11, a mental wellness program developed by the True North Youth Foundation, visit students to teach them about mental health.
Project 11 facilitator Suzi Friesen started off the presentation by teaching essential lessons about the brain. She explained how students can keep brains balanced and what happens when their "lid flips" – which is when emotions become overwhelming.
She then read Kobi Yamada's children’s book What Do You Do With a Problem?” The story follows a boy who learns to face challenges instead of avoiding them. Students engaged with thoughtful questions about mental wellness. Many were surprised to learn about common mental health concerns.
"I learned that the most common mental health concern is anxiety," said Goodness, a Gladstone elementary student.
"Instead of getting rid of a problem, we can turn it into something better," said Ella after the presentation.
Principal Steven Nikkel affirms the importance of mental health discussions in schools. He strongly believes presentations from organizations like Project 11 help children develop crucial mental wellness skills, both in and out of the classroom.
The highlight for many students was meeting Mick E. Moose, the mascot of the Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets. Mick E. Moose offered high fives and hugs to excited students. Watch some highlights of their joy in our Instagram reel video.
Established in 2013, the Project 11 program honours the legacy of Rick Rypien, a former player for both the Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets who faced significant mental health challenges and passed away in 2011.
