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Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools

What is a Healthy School?

A Healthy School is a place where school administrators, staff, students, parents/caregivers, and the community work together to create an environment that will impact the health and well-being of everyone in the school.

A Healthy Schools Approach motivates and supports school communities in establishing healthy, safe, inclusive and identity-affirming (external link) learning environments where all students can reach their full potential, all while supporting school board and provincial policies.

The Healthy Schools Approach follows the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework (external link).

Healthy Schools 4-step process

Step 1: Assemble your team

Forming a Healthy Schools Team creates a foundation for sustainable change by building shared ownership, encouraging collaboration, and amplifying student voice. Your team should include a combination of students, school staff, parent(s)/caregiver(s), and community partners.

Step 2: Identify your school community priority area(s), assets, and goals

Work with your team to better understand the priorities and assets of the school. Collect information and data from the school community (e.g. students, staff and parents). When students are leaders in this process, the priority areas reflect their interests and lead to increased engagement and connectedness.

Step 3: Develop your plan and take action

Work with your team to develop a plan to address your school’s priority area(s). Promote and implement meaningful activities with school-wide impact, monitor your action plan and update it as needed. Leveraging existing well-being initiatives already in place can be a great place to start.

Step 4: Celebrate and reflect

Celebrate the contributions of each team member, especially the students and their leadership. Take time to reflect on the Healthy Schools journey, evaluate activities, celebrate achievements and begin planning for next year.

Healthy Schools Recognition Program

The Healthy Schools Recognition Program is a national, self-directed, step-based program that promotes strengthening new and existing school-based health initiatives that can influence student belonging, school connectedness, and health and well-being through:

  • encouraging a student-centred approach
  • establishing a shared and focused commitment between students, school staff, and the broader community
  • supporting school teams in identifying and implementing initiatives and evaluating their impact on the school community
  • recognizing and celebrating schools for their commitment, progress, and achievements

This program empowers schools with flexibility and ownership by providing tools, tips, and prompts that support the development of a personalized Healthy Schools journey.

For more information, visit healthyschools.ca (external link)

Healthy Schools resources

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