Getting started...

Talk to your school administration about Healthy Schools, find a champion and follow the steps to a healthier school. Call York Region Health Connection to link with public health nurses to support and guide your champion through the steps. We can provide great tips, ideas and resources.

Steps to a healthier school include:

Step 1: Form a Healthy School Committee

Form a committee or link with an existing one, made up of students, staff, and parents. A partnership between students and adults is ideal. Meet regularly to work through the steps to a healthier school.

Step 2: Survey your school (students, staff and parents) to identify strengths and needs

Based on your findings, you may decide to take on a topic such as: injury prevention, handwashing, substance misuse prevention, nutrition, tobacco use or physical activity.

Step 3: Develop and carry out an action plan

To maximize your success, include students in the development and aim to add activities in these four areas into your action plan over time:

1. High-quality instruction and programs (in-class activities)
2. A healthy physical environment (materials and equipment)
3. A supportive social environment (whole school policies, norms, role-modelling)
4. Community partnerships (involving families and organizations from outside the school to support your activities)

Step 4: Evaluate and celebrate achievements

Review, evaluate and celebrate your Healthy School activities!

Communication with the whole school community is vital throughout all four steps.

For more information contact
York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933