According to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health Promotion’s philosophy and Foundations for a Healthy School in Ontario, healthy schools combine four areas:
- High Quality Instruction and Programs
- A Healthy Physical Environment
- A Supportive Social Environment
- Community Partnerships
Within this broad foundation, a variety health related topics need to be considered (for example: physical eating, healthy eating, bullying prevention, etc.)
Ophea fully supports this framework and continues to provide the high-quality programs and services which make a powerful contribution to facilitating and supporting healthy schools and communities across Ontario.
A healthy school…
- Takes a holistic approach, recognizing that healthy living isn’t a lesson to be taught, but a lifestyle to be adopted.
- Looks to the entire school community to become part of a multi-faceted and sustainable approach to school health.
- Uses overall student health as the lens through which all activities are enhanced and decisions are made.
Many schools and communities are already using Ophea's programs and services and are on their way to making their school a healthy school. If you have not started building your healthy school, consider choosing an Ophea program to start building a healthier learning environment for your students and participating in Ontario's Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
Ophea encourages your school to participate in the Ontario Healthy Schools Recognition Program to promote and celebrate your healthy school.