Blogs

Two smiling girls with backpacks wave cheerfully at the camera. They stand on school steps and are wearing backpacks

Back to School: Physical Activity Safety Update for 2025/26

As the school year is fast approaching, updates to the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education (OPASSE) are getting ready to be released later this month in Ophea’s annual Summary of...
A young woman in a soccer uniform gives a high-five to her teammate on a field.

Nurturing Students’ Mental Health: The Importance of Equitable Movement and Sport in Schools Webinar Recap Blog

Earlier this year, Ophea, the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre (MPARC) and Canadian Women & Sport (CWS) came together to host a free webinar series exploring the relationship...
Three people stand smiling in front of a blue backdrop with a pattern. The person in the center holds the” Ophea Award of Outstanding Contribution”.

William Fenton, 2024/2025 Ophea Award for Outstanding Contribution Recipient

The Ophea Award for Outstanding Contribution recognizes an individual, group, or organization for their exemplary contribution to the lives of children and youth in the areas of inclusive health and...
Two people smile as they pose with the “Ophea Award for Outstanding Contribution” against a blue backdrop with a geometric pattern.

Myrtle Henry Sodhi, 2024/2025 Ophea Award for Outstanding Contribution Recipient

Award for Outstanding Contribution recognizes an individual, group, or organization for their exemplary contribution to the lives of children and youth in the areas of inclusive health and physical...
Two smiling individuals stand side by side. Both are smiling and one is holding the “Ophea Award of Distinction”

Dr. Lee Airton, 2024/2025 Ophea Award of Distinction Recipient

The Ophea Award of Distinction is presented to one individual who is a leader in the meaningful advancement of inclusive healthy, active living opportunities for children and youth in Ontario school...
Children are gathered outside playing a game with colorful bean bags arranged in a circle on the grass. The atmosphere is active and lively.

End-of-Year Safety Tips and Planning Ideas

As the school year draws to a close, it is an important time for educators responsible for Health and Physical Education (H&PE), intramurals, and interschool activities to focus on year-end safety...
Four diverse individuals gather around a laptop in a classroom. One is writing notes, while others watch intently, conveying collaboration and focus.

Digital Dangers: Discussing Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Webinar Recap

On March 4 th , 2025, Ophea hosted a webinar in collaboration with Julie S. Lalonde and Dr. Kaitlynn Mendes discussing the topic of deepfakes and their consequences. This session included a tour of...
Four children play on a wooden balance beam at a sunlit park. They are smiling and are surrounded by trees and swings.

Risky Play: Balancing Student Safety and Development

As education settings continue to evolve, the benefits associated with play have been highlighted, including the important element of risky play. While it is essential for schools to continue to...
The staff of the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network, a diverse group of 11 individuals, sit smiling on a stage at the 2024 Diversity in Sports Conference.

Sector Spotlight: Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network

Ophea’s Sector Spotlight aims to illuminate the bright spots within the education sector through recognizing the critical work being done by community members and value-aligned organizations, and its...
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Maximizing Consent: Practical Ways to Talk About Consent Education Webinar Recap

On December 5, 2024, Ophea , Egale Canada , the Ontario Coalition for Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC ) , and White Ribbon collaboratively hosted a webinar in connection with the OCRCC’s Draw the Line...