Healthy Schools

hsrpsuccess

Healthy Schools Recognition Program

Success Stories

Here are just a few of the great ideas that are making our schools healthier across Ontario. There are many ways schools can promote a healthy learning environment. Activities highlighting the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, bullying prevention, personal safety and injury prevention, substance use and abuse, and mental health can all help make a difference.

École secondaire F.J. McElligott, Mattawa (2009-10)

To vividly demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving, students at École secondaire F.J. McElligott teamed up with the OPP, the Northeastern Ontario Trauma Program, Smart Risk, North Bay Ambulance and North Bay Firefighters to simulate a fatal accident caused by a drunk driver. The simulation helped students understand the deadly results of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated and succeeded in showing students that they have the power to make the right decision when it comes to alcohol-free driving. According to Daniel Gaulin, principal at École secondaire F.J. McElligott, “It’s in living this kind of experience that students learn the consequences of their decisions. Driving under the influence is never acceptable. We appreciate having community partners to help us get across such an important message and prevent accidents on the road.”

Forest Manor Public School, Toronto (2009-2010)

Every Wednesday is “Wellness Wednesday” at Forest Manor Public School. Students bring in fruits and vegetables for lunch that earn them points toward a piece of equipment for outdoor activities. The points are assigned by student “Wellness Inspectors.” All grades join in the fun which rewards healthy eating with active play time. Erika Damiano is a teacher at Forest Manor Public School who has watched the program blossom. “The entire school community should be congratulated for the success of Wellness Wednesday. Our Toronto Schools on the Move Committee planted the seed, but it was the enthusiasm of staff and students that made the program into what it is today.” Congratulations to everyone at Forest Manor Public School for promoting a healthier lifestyle for our students.

Herman Street Public School, Petawawa (2009-2010)

Great art can be an inspiration. Just ask the staff and students at Herman Street Public School who drew a fictional 300 pound man named Albert and used him as motivation to get active. The school wanted to help Albert lose 150 pounds so he can lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. To achieve this goal, teachers took students for a daily walk or run outside. For every kilometre that they walked or ran, Albert lost a half pound. Students were thrilled to get out and enjoy some exercise – especially for a good cause. In no time Albert lost the full 150 pounds.

Amabel Sauble Community School, Sauble Beach (2009-10)

Wearing appropriate footwear is an important part of exercising. For students at Amabel Sauble Community School, that means strapping on snowshoes, skis, skates or sliders. Students and teachers at ASCS hike though the surrounding forest in Phys. Ed. class or to enhance learning in other curriculum areas, such as Science and Social Studies. The snowshoes, which were purchased through a significant donation by the local Rotary Club and school fundraising are also put to use on snow days when the twenty percent of students in attendance are treated to a rewarding winter walk. According to Donna Stewart, principal at ASCS, "Staff seize every opportunity that winter provides to engage students in outdoor physical activity, teaching them the benefits of an active lifestyle."

Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, Aurora (2009-10)

Bullying is a sensitive but important issue. So staff and students at Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School held a bullying prevention assembly to help bring awareness to the subject. At the assembly, all teaching and support staff wore pink shirts to promote the cause of a bully-free school environment. The message struck a chord with students, as a week later they conducted their own pink-shirt campaign to show continued support of bullying prevention. "Creating awareness about the effects of bullying requires a community effort," said Joseph Collins, teacher at Dr. G. W. Williams and the organizer of the bullying prevention assembly. "We're especially proud of our students for accepting responsibility and taking action against bullying."

St. Marcellinus Secondary School, Mississauga (2009-10)

At St. Marcellinus Secondary School, Grade 9 and 10 students identified as exceptional with either autism or a developmental disability incorporate daily stretches into their communications class. Each student is asked to demonstrate a stretching exercise for the entire class to follow. Students are encouraged to be creative and try different stretches when it is their turn to lead. "It's wonderful to watch these students encourage one another to try their best," said Catherine Fitzgerald, who teaches the communications class. "Sometimes, there is even a competitive edge as to who can think up the most creative exercise." Every student participates and enjoys the opportunity to stretch part way through class.

Brookmill Boulevard Junior Public School, Toronto (2008-09)

Every day members of the kilometre club at Brookmill Boulevard Junior Public School walk or run for 10 minutes before recess. Staff and student members track how many kilometres they travel. And that’s not the only opportunity students have to get active. Students can also participate in popular school sports like soccer and dodgeball. Senior students act as recess activity planners for the younger students. And, families can get active too. The annual family fitness event encourages parents and students to take part in activities like skipping, obstacle courses and basketball.

Christ the King Catholic Elementary School, Richmond Hill (2008-09)

At Christ the King Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill, students and staff can be involved in a variety of initiatives to promote positive behaviour and prevent bullying. Every month, school staff nominate students who clearly demonstrate character virtues. And, students can nominate their peers who are "caught caring" by putting their names in a jar that sits in every classroom. Students are then recognized at a virtue assembly for their acts of kindness and displays of virtue. "It's a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community," said Principal Jacquie Cushing Dill. Intermediate students can also get involved with the student-led Luke 4:18 Social Justice Committee to take on leadership roles and help make a difference.

Dr. George Hall Public School, Little Britain (2008-09)

Students at Dr. George Hall Public School know healthy eating is an important part of having a healthy, active lifestyle. This school year, the school started a Nutrition Club for students in grades 4 to 6. Students learn about healthy eating, safe food handling and storage, and they prepare nutritious snacks for their peers. Students will also start submitting articles for the monthly school newsletter and are getting involved in Nutrition Month activities. They are also taking their knowledge home and preparing some of the foods they make at school. "Armed with the knowledge about healthy foods and how to handle food safely, club members make better selections when choosing food," said Becky DeGroote, educational assistant and nutrition coordinator.

École Saint-Guillaume, Vars (2008-09)

Saint-Guillaume was chosen as an "Active and Healthy" school by the city of Ottawa. Every month, the school promoted a specific topic on health and physical activity. The students participated in presentations, as well as in classroom and school activities. Some students were also acknowledged for their individual contribution. The names of the students who made an outstanding contribution were published in the monthly newsletter, and were written on a wall celebrating those who were "Building our School". In addition, all the students recognized during the month were invited to a special outing with the principal.

École secondaire Sainte-Marie, Woodstock (2008-09)

Students at École secondaire Sainte-Marie are getting a taste of something new – and healthy. Sixty students and 10 teachers have been working together to prepare nutritious, multicultural meals that represent the diversity of the student population. Students plan everything from the menu to the shopping to the serving. They are not only helping their classmates try healthy new meals, they are also helping the environment. The school has reduced use of plastic plates and cutlery with help from a Speak Up grant. "The students are proud of their achievements. They learned from the comprehensive planning and they all love to eat well," said Principal Monique Castonguay.

Highgate Public School, Markham (2008-09)

Staff, students and community members at Highgate Public School celebrated "International Walk to School Day" by walking and wheeling bikes to school. The school also takes part in the "i walk club", a free program offered through York Region Health Services. Every student gets an "i walk" card. Every morning, teachers check off the cards if the students walk or bike to the bus stop. After ten walks, the students get a shoe sticker. These students' names are then put into a raffle. Every Friday, approximately 30-40 students win a gym pass that allows them to use anything in the equipment room.

Morton Way Public School, Brampton (2008-09)

Every Friday at Morton Way Public School is Fitness Friday. The whole school – led by Grade 5 students – performs seven moderate to vigorous routines set to lively music. The students love the music and the chance to dance and be active. "The Grade 5 students really enjoy the opportunity to be Fitness Friday leaders," said Kirstin Schwass, Physical Education Teacher. And school staff say it boosts school spirit and gets everybody up, active and having fun (including them).

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School, Woodbridge (2008-09)

At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School in Woodbridge, all Grade 6 students are trained as peer mediators. Following a 15-hour training program, students work in pairs to mediate conflicts for students in grades 1 to 6. Staff have seen a change in how students respond to each other – and the whole school community recognizes the importance and benefits of peaceful resolution. "Students feel better about themselves because they are active participants in solving conflict in a peaceful manner," said Principal Natalie Sciulli. Students learn effective listening skills, and the program embeds a language of respect, cooperation and caring in the school.

Sutton District High School, Sutton (2008-09)

At Sutton District High School, staff and students are helping to "Stomp out the Stigma" of mental health. The school partnered with community agencies to hold a mental health week that featured quotes from well-known people, poster competitions and guest speakers talking about their own experiences. A group of high school students also visited local public schools to talk with Grade 8 students about bullying prevention and mental health. The student-designed and led presentations included interactive activities, skits and presentations from students. "It really makes a difference for students to hear from their peers. The high school students immediately saw the impact they were having," said Brad Clayden, teacher at Sutton District High School.

Woburn Collegiate Institute, Toronto (2008-09)

This year, Woburn Collegiate Institute started a new fitness and wellness club called the WEE (Woburn Extreme Exercise) club. The club is designed for students who are not taking physical education or feel uncomfortable coming down to the gym for team sports. Run by a staff advisor and 20 student leaders, the club offers workouts every month. Everyone is invited to participate. It offers everything from step aerobics and cardio kickboxing to pilates and yoga, as well as nutrition information and stress management. The club has built its programs around themes that focus on student needs, such as "Exam de-stress", "Fitness for charity" and "Fitness for formal" featuring healthy eating and workouts to get students ready for the big day.

Cawthra Park Secondary School, Mississauga (2007-08)

Staff and students at Cawthra Park Secondary School promote physical activity through the "100 Mile Club". The goal is to run or walk 100 miles (160 km) over a 10-week period. Club members make daily physical activity a priority and everyone benefits physically, emotionally and socially. Successful participants are recognized at an awards night and receive a special "Cawthra Park 100 Mile Club" T-shirt.

Denis Morris Catholic Secondary School, St. Catharines (2007-08)

Last April, staff and students at Denis Morris Catholic Secondary School held a health fair. Topics included gambling, STDs, cholesterol testing and how to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). Several doctors attended and spoke to students about fitness, wellness, and teen health.

Northridge Public School, London (2007-08)

Students at Northridge School formed the "Wellness Wizards" committee. This group promotes healthy living ideas with the help of a local public health nurse. For example, every week on "Wellness Wednesdays", teachers collect the names of students who made healthy food choices or who walked to school. Those students can win prizes in a monthly contest.

Sydenham Public School, Kingston (2007-08)

"Character Counts" is a bullying prevention program developed by the staff and students at Sydenham Public School. A monthly assembly is held to focus on a positive character trait, such as respect, caring or trust. Bullying prevention information is shared on the school's main bulletin board, in morning announcements and through community newsletters. The common language and understanding that have come out of the program are showing positive results across the whole school.

Western Secondary School, Amherstburg (2007-08)

Western Secondary School started a daily "Breakfast Break" program. The goal is to provide students with a nutritious breakfast, including at least three items from healthy food groups, for only a $1. To raise money for the program the school hosted a "Silent Auction and Pasta Dinner". The school has also received remarkable support from local businesses and individuals.