At Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), we understand the connection between education and health. Our teams use a preventive approach to promote healthy schools. We work with school boards, teachers and community agencies to make health a priority. This might look like:
- Immunizations to prevent outbreaks
- Tower gardens to increase access to healthy food
- Programs to promote student leadership and physical activity in schools
- Community-based programs
We also work behind the scenes to collect research, assess needs, plan, and develop services that keep school-age children and youth achieve health as they grow. Learn more about the social determinants of health, including education.
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Foundations for a Healthy School
Our Healthy Schools Team approach uses the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School, which aligns with the School Effectiveness Framework for K-12 and weaves together five interconnected areas to promote healthy schools:
- Curriculum, teaching and learning
- School and classroom leadership
- Student engagement
- Social and physical environments
- Home, school and community partnerships
The Foundations for a Healthy School approach involves all members of the school community, including students, parents, school staff, community service agencies and businesses. We use it to share ideas, plan, and take action to address and improve health topics like:
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating
- Personal safety and injury prevention
- Growth and development
- Mental health
- Substance use, addictions and related behaviours