Given several exciting new provincial policy and program directives such as the Foundations for a Healthy School framework, the Healthy Schools Recognition Award, the new Ontario Public Health Standards, the after-school strategy, and the Healthy Communities fund, Ophea has made the decision to discontinue the Active Schools program as of the 2009/2010 school year, to better align Ophea’s activities with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health Promotion priorities, and better serve educators and schools, as well as health promoters from public health and sport and recreation throughout Ontario.

To support you in building your Healthy School and Community, Ophea has a number of available resources, including:

1. Ophea’s 2009/10 Healthy Schools and Communities Calendar (both Elementary and Secondary versions):Coming soon to schools across the province, you can help make this year your schools’ healthiest yet with the new Healthy Schools and Communities Calendar. Hang this calendar in your school and each month follow along for information, tips and ideas on how to adopt a comprehensive school health approach, where healthy active living goes hand in hand with learning – and become a Healthy School! The Healthy Schools and Communities calendar is available in English and French.

   
   The Healthy Schools Recognition Program has been developed by the Ministry of Education to promote and celebrate healthy behaviours. The Healthy Schools and Communities Calendar, to be delivered to all elementary and secondary schools, school boards, and health units (English and French) this fall, contains many ideas and activities to support your involvement in this program including:

   • Lists of valuable resources

   • Healthy Schools ideas and checklists

   • Tips for building a healthy learning environment from schools just like yours

   • Reminders of key dates

   • Healthy schools research and facts

   
   For more information regarding the Healthy Schools Recognition Program, visit the Ministry of Education’s website.

2. Ophea’s NEW 2009/10 programs and services brochure:Includes information on all of Ophea’s Health and Physical Education and healthy active living programs and supports, most of which are available free-of-charge. Please distribute these brochures to your teachers, post them where they can be seen and/or share them at staff meetings and workshops.

3. Further resources and ideas:Ophea will be working throughout the year to continue to provide FREE resources and ideas that will help you foster a healthy active school community. We will continue to keep you updated on how we can help support your schools. For more information on Ophea’s programs and services, please visit www.ophea.net, contact us at 416-426-7120 or toll free at 1-888-446-7432, or email us at info@ophea.org. To order Ophea resources click here.

In order to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information regarding Ophea’s programs and activities, register for our e-Connection newsletter simply by becoming an Ophea.net member.  The next issue of e-Connection is coming in October 2009, so become a member today!

For more information and to access free resources to support healthy schools and communities, visit www.ophea.net/healthyschools.

The entire Ophea team is looking forward to working with you to realize another healthy active school year.