A Healthy School promotes the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of the whole school community.
A Healthy Schools approach looks beyond the classroom to the entire school setting. It involves students, staff, parents, volunteers and community partners. Together, they share ideas, plan and take action to help kids lead healthy active lives.
The Ministry of Education recognizes and endorses the Healthy Schools framework in Foundations for a Healthy School. This framework can also help to promote a positive school environment.
Benefits of a Healthy School community
This approach is an evidence-based, internationally recognized framework for building healthy school communities. A Healthy School:
- Empowers students to be more involved in school life and part of the positive change
- Improves student success and well-being
- Reduces absenteeism
- Improves academic achievement
- Promotes diversity and inclusion
- Improves student interaction and promotes a sense of belonging within their school (school climate)
Healthy School grants
To support schools in becoming a healthy school, HPEPH provides limited amount of funding through a grant for publicly funded schools. Secondary schools can apply for up to $1000, and elementary schools can apply for up to $500. The grant application deadline is Nov. 29, 2024, and schools will be notified if their application was successful by Dec. 20, 2024.
Download the Healthy Schools grant application form.
We can also support schools to explore other grant opportunities, connect with us by filling out the Healthy Schools Program contact form.
Toolkit
HPEPH Healthy Schools Team has a toolkit and resources to assist schools in creating a healthy school environment by providing strategies, tips, and tools that focus on a comprehensive approach to school health. This toolkit can be used whether or not your school has been successful in their grant application.
Examples of activities
- Mental Health Promotion
- Healthy Eating Promotion
- Physical Activity Promotion
- Ideas for Your Healthy School Action Plan (Ever Active Schools)
School Highlights – What are local schools doing?
- North Hastings High School – Take Pride Spirit Day
- Coe Hill School – Indoor and Outdoor School Gardens
- Queen Elizabeth Public School – Food Literacy sessions
- Prince Edward Collegiate Institute – Healthy Schools Action Team Kick-Off Event
- Centennial Secondary School – Mental Health Week activities
Healthy Schools Certification
Another way to develop your healthy school is by enrolling in Healthy Schools Certification. This program provides online tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff and the broader school community.
Do you have any further questions?
Connect with us by filling out the Healthy Schools Program contact form. Together we can create healthy school communities!
For more information on promoting a positive school climate you can also refer to the Ministry of Education website http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/climate.html
