Healthy Schools
Educators, parents, students and other partners in B.C. communities are working to make sure our schools are “healthy.” That means taking action in a whole range of areas, recognizing that healthy children learn better – and that schools are an ideal place for children to learn healthy habits.
Healthy schools are active in all three of the following areas:
- teaching and learning
- school environment, culture and organization
- partnerships, supports and services.
Here are some examples of programs and resources being used in B.C. schools today:
Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools This provincial initiative highlights the importance of positive, welcoming school cultures and nurturing learning environments for maximizing students’ success at school. It’s based on the understanding that – when students feel safe, when everyone understands expectations of acceptable behaviour at school, and when all members of the school community treat one another with consideration and respect – students can turn their full attention to learning.
Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework This resource provides guidance to schools to help them build welcoming learning environments that respond to the social and cultural needs of all students and their families.
Action Schools! BC This program focuses on actions in six different areas to support student health and wellbeing.
A new initiative was announced in September 2007 recognizing the need to protect children with severe allergies. All B.C. school districts are now required to develop and implement anaphylaxis policies that meet rigorous provincial standards. More information can be found on the LearnNow BC allergies page.
Want to know more about healthy school activities? Click here for the latest news from the B.C. Healthy Schools Network. You can also call your local school and ask about programs and practices supporting student health.
Want more information on specific topics, such as racism, sexual exploitation or youth violence? Click here for access to a range of resources, including guides for educators, information for parents and supports for children and youth.
You may also want to read this guide on keeping children safe from abuse, neglect and harm. It includes information on where to get help.
Click here for information regarding the new Tobacco Control Act that prohibits smoking, the use of tobacco, or holding lighted tobacco in or on school property.
The BC government has created $6.5 million in grant programs to support the replacement of playgrounds across BC, including $2.5 million to Let’s Play, a program in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation, to create accessible or barrier-free play spaces throughout BC. Let’s Play grants are available to schools, municipalities and other qualified community organizations interested in developing new spaces, renovating existing spaces and/or purchasing equipment to create accessible or barrier-free public play spaces for young children and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities.
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