A Healthy School involves a team approach - one where school administrators, teachers, parents, students and community agencies work together to create an environment that will support a child's health and learning. The Ministry of Education recommends the Foundations for a Healthy School resource to improve school health in a broad way.
For more information about the foundations for a Healthy School, email healthyschools@regionofwaterloo.ca or call: 519-575-4400 or TTY 519-575-4608.
These short video clips describe the Healthy Schools Approach:
- Comprehensive School Health in a Nutshell
- Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Can Make a Difference
Steps to a Healthy School |
The Healthy Schools Toolkit is a manual that gives you step-by-step tips to implement the Healthy Schools approach. There are four steps to a Healthy School:
|
Healthy eating |
Good Nutrition = Better Learners = Student Well-being Healthy eating is essential for student well-being. Here you will find tools and action plans using the Healthy Schools approach. Plan
Act, evaluate and celebrate To see some of the program action plans, tools and resources and to learn how to address your school's healthy eating priority, check the BrightBites website. BrightBites is a non-profit program that provides teachers with free resources (in English and French) to guide their classroom, group or the whole school to healthier eating. Curriculum resources Through your school board's courier, you can borrow and return resources with lesson plan ideas, games, models, DVDs, posters and more from the Public Health Resource Library. Click on the links below to find resources by grade in our catalogue. To request a resource, click on the resource in the catalogue and select 'Request' or contact us at 519-575-4400 ext. 2256 or phrl@regionofwaterloo.ca. You can also order copies of Canada's Food Guide and other pamphlets that are available to keep. |
Physical activity |
Physical Activity is a great way to promote student well-being. Here you will find tools and action plans using the Healthy Schools approach. Plan
Act, evaluate and celebrate There are many opportunities to promote physical activity throughout a student's day:
Curriculum resources Through your school board's courier, you can borrow and return resources with lesson plan ideas, games, models, DVDs, posters and more from the Public Health Resource Library. Click on the links below to find resources by grade in our catalogue. To request a resource, click on the resource in the catalogue and select 'request' or contact us at 519-575-4400 ext. 2256 or phrl@regionofwaterloo.ca. You can also order pamphlets that are available to keep. |
Positive mental health |
Please note: This website provides staff with universal supports for developing positive mental health. For immediate mental health concerns, please refer to the appropriate resources, including:
The Healthy Schools approach offers comprehensive ways to build positive mental health in your school. You can also refer to your school board's mental health strategy and connect with your Mental Health Lead with any questions.
Plan The Positive Mental Health Module in the Healthy Schools Online Planner helps schools focus on areas related to positive mental health. Contact your Board Mental Health Lead for help before completing the Online Planner, and review your school climate survey results. Act Positive mental health in schools can be supported by using the Healthy Schools approach to promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating and physical activity.
Evaluate After implementing initiatives at your school, take some time to complete the Healthy Schools Online Planner - Positive Mental Health Module again to help compare any changes within your school. Celebrate Celebrating the hard work of the school community will promote a positive environment in the school. It will also encourage support for Healthy Schools in the future and provide a chance to highlight the school's successes. Inclusive ways to celebrate Healthy Schools initiatives include:
|
Contact Us