Educators

How can we help your school stay healthy?

At Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), we know that health and education go hand in hand. That’s why we focus on helping schools create healthy environments. We work with school boards, teachers and community groups to make health a priority. This can include things like:

• Giving immunizations to prevent illness outbreaks

• Setting up tower gardens to grow healthy food

• Running programs to encourage student leadership and promote physical activity

• Offering community-based health programs

Behind the scenes, we also collect research, plan services and develop programs to meet the needs of school-age children and youth as they grow. Want to know more? Learn how education and other social factors affect health.

What does a healthy school focus on?

SWPH supports schools in creating spaces where students, teachers, and families can thrive. Using the Foundations for a Healthy School from the Ministry of Education, which aligns with the School Effectiveness Framework for K-12, we focus on key areas to promote health and well-being. Here are the five areas we work on with schools to make them healthier and more supportive:

1. Curriculum, teaching, and learning: Adding lessons about healthy habits and skills.

2. School and classroom leadership: Supporting staff and students to lead positive changes.

3. Student engagement: Involving students in decisions that affect their health.

4. Social and physical environments: Creating spaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone.

5. Home, school, and community partnerships: Building strong connections between schools, families, and communities.

What health topics should your school focus on?

Together, we work on key topics that impact students' health, including:

• Getting enough physical activity

• Eating healthy foods

• Taking care of mental health

• Growing up strong and healthy

• Staying safe and preventing injuries

• Avoiding risky behaviours, like substance use