Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools Recognition Program

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health Promotion have developed the Healthy Schools Recognition Program to promote and celebrate healthy behaviours and practices in Ontario's publicly funded schools. Healthy schools can have a positive impact on student health and learning.

All elementary and secondary schools in Ontario are encouraged to participate in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program. By participating in this program, a school declares its commitment to work towards developing a healthier learning environment.

How Do Schools Participate?

Step 1: Identify your school's healthy activity

Work with students, parents and staff of the school to identify at least one activity that your school will undertake to make it healthier in 2007/08. (Schools are encouraged to work with other groups active in the school and the community to participate in identifying activities.)

Step 2: Complete and sign the acceptance form

The school principal, the school council chair and a student representative (where applicable) must complete and sign the Healthy Schools Recognition Program Acceptance Form (PDF, 580 KB).

Step 3: Submit the completed and signed form to your school board

Send the completed and signed Healthy Schools Recognition Program Acceptance Form (PDF, 580 KB) to your school board, care of the Director of Education. (The purpose of this step is to ensure school boards are kept informed of school activities and to confirm that submissions are in line with board policies and strategies related to healthy schools.)

Step 4: Submit the form to the Ministry of Education

The Director of Education (or authorized school board official) will be responsible for forwarding the school's Healthy Schools Recognition Program Acceptance Form (PDF, 580 KB) to the Ministry of Education:

Policy and Program Branch
c/o Healthy Schools Recognition Program: Challenge
Ministry of Education
15th Floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto ON M7A 1L2
Fax: (416) 325-4344
e-mail: healthy.schools@ontario.ca

Why Should Schools Participate

Research shows that a healthy school environment supports student success – students, teachers and the larger community benefit when children learn in a healthy school. The Minister of Education and the Minister of Health Promotion will recognize schools that participate in the program and will post a list of those schools that participate on the Ministry of Education's website.

What Supports Are Available To Help Schools Become Healthier?

The Ministry of Education has developed a number of tools and resources to help schools become healthier environments The Foundations for a Healthy School Framework (PDF, 151 KB). outlines the health-related topics and components that can be focused on to make your school a healthier place to learn.

Additional information is available for parents and students as well as for teachers and principals. There are also a number of provincial and local organizations that may be able to assist schools, such as public health units.

Questions and Answers: Healthy Schools Recognition Program