Government Policies & Strategies

In recent years the Government of Ontario has established an unprecedented number of policies and programs dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and youth. Ophea commends the government on this policy work and is fully supportive of this government’s commitment to healthy active schools and communities. Following are links to some of the many policies and resources created by various ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health Promotion and Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

Government Policies

The Ontario Curriculum, Revised Interim Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8 (2010)
The Ontario Curriculum, Revised Interim Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8 (2010) - French
The H&PE Curriculum is developed by the Government of Ontario. All publicly funded schools in the province are expected to use this document as the basis for all health and physical education programs for Grades 1 to 8. All instruction, assessment and evaluation should be based on the expectations outlined in this document.

PPM 144 Bullying Prevention and Intervention
This policy applies to all school boards in Ontario, and outlines the government's current definition of bullying as well as guidelines for school board policies on bullying prevention and intervention.

PPM 145 Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour
School boards in Ontario are required to have and implement policies on progressive discipline. This policy provides direction to boards on required revisions to their existing policies and procedures on progressive discipline. It also highlights the importance of actively promoting and supporting appropriate and positive student behaviours that contribute to and sustain a safe learning and teaching environment in which every student can reach his or her full potential.

PPM 149 Protocol for Partnerships With External Agencies for Provision of Services by Regulated Health Professionals, Regulated Social Service Professionals, and Paraprofessionals
This policy provides direction to school boards concerning the review and/or development of a local protocol for partnerships with external agencies for the provision of services in Ontario schools by regulated health professionals, regulated social service professionals, and paraprofessionals. It outlines the requirements for reviewing and/or developing a local protocol, and specifies the requirements for implementing the protocol and for reporting on the protocol to stakeholders.

PPM 150 School Food and Beverage Guidelines
This policy outlines nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario. The guidelines apply to all food and beverages sold on on school premises for school purposes (i.e.- cafeterias, vending machines, catered lunch programs, bake sales, etc.)