A healthy school is designed to help contribute to a learning environment that promotes and supports child and student well-being. This emphasizes the need to focus not just on academic success, but also on the whole child and student – their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. The research is clear: healthy students are better prepared to learn, and education is a key determinant of health. A healthy school includes the five interconnected areas:
- school and classroom leadership
- student engagement
- social and physical environments
- home/school community partnerships
- curriculum, teaching and learning
Healthy Eating has an impact on the success of a student’s day. Here are some of the great ways our schools are helping to support Healthy Eating and Healthy School Choices.
- Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program
- Student Nutrition
- Canada’s Food Guide
- PPM 150 ‘School Food and Beverage Policy’
Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
Student safety is a priority in all of our schools. The following guidelines and protocols are part of how we keep students safe.
- OPHEA Safety Guidelines
- Concussions (PPM 158)
- Concussion Safety for Students
- Prevalent Medical Conditions (PPM 161)
- Administrative Guidelines : RISK MANAGEMENT FOR SCHOOL AND OUT-OF-CLASSROOM HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES
Physical activity is an important part of every day. Helping students develop movement competencies, physical literacy skills and confidence when being active develops lifelong skills.
- Daily Physical Activity (PPM 138)
- Active Transport
- Participaction: Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play
- Take me outside day
Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours
Promoting Healthy behaviours includes addressing, recognizing and preventing situations and concerns around living skills, screen time, substance misuse and other addictive behaviours. It also includes promoting healthy alternatives to these behaviours.
- Ontario Student Drug Use and Healthy Survey
- NNDSB Administrative Guideline: Tobacco Free Environment
Healthy Growth and Development
Students and families need access to information and programming support related to issues around healthy growth and development. Resources and support is available for topics related to body image, diversity, healthy relationships, human development and sexual health, living skills, self-efficacy and self-esteem.