The Healthy Schools Recognition Program is a self-directed, step-based program that promotes strengthening new and existing school-based health initiatives that can influence student belonging, school connectedness, and health and well-being.
The program guides schools through a 4-Step Healthy Schools Process that, when completed, can support meaningful, sustainable change and improved health-related outcomes for the school community. It also encourages meaningful collaboration to promote a holistic, whole-community approach.
The Healthy Schools Recognition Program empowers schools with flexibility and ownership by providing tools, tips, and prompts that support the development of a personalized Healthy Schools journey.
We’re celebrating the work of Healthy Schools across Canada, showing you how teams are putting the Healthy Schools Recognition Program into action to support well-being in their communities.
Our Lady of Lourdes has been implementing several health initiatives throughout the year, building excitement among students and establishing a culture of well-being and belonging in their school community.
Here’s what their team had to share about their journey:
A Committed Healthy Schools Team
Our school’s Health Action Team (HAT) consists of 20 students, three educators who serve as Health Action Team advisors, and our community partner, the Public Health Nurse. Establishing a dedicated group of students and staff was essential to the successful implementation of the HAT action plan.
The ongoing support from the school principal is also important as it demonstrates the value of the HAT’s work in addressing school health priorities. Together, the team plans and implements activities and initiatives to address identified health priorities.
Regular, consistent meetings support effective planning and preparation, helping to sustain engagement while ensuring initiatives remain organized and on track. In addition, a clear communication plan enables the broader school community to remain informed, aware, and actively engaged in these initiatives.
Supporting Mental Health at School
The HAT has implemented several activities that focus on supporting students’ mental health and well-being. These include a Wellness Day, Kindness Week (Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week), a Self-Care Challenge (Bell Let’s Talk Day) and Pink Shirt Day.
Bell Let’s Talk Day focused on promoting self-care practices. To highlight the importance of self-care, the HAT created a challenge card featuring a variety of self-care activities, encouraging students to complete them. Copies of the card were printed and distributed to all students.
HAT members visited each classroom to introduce the challenge and emphasize the importance of limiting screen time and taking time to focus on personal well-being. Completed cards were entered into a draw for prizes. Incentives included board games, playing cards, puzzles, journals, balls, racquets, sidewalk chalk, and one of two annual recreation passes.
Students are regularly acknowledged and thanked for their contributions and ongoing participation on the HAT at school assemblies and during HAT meetings. Their efforts and achievements are recognized with celebrations, such as a pizza lunch, and a year-end event is planned for June.
Healthy Habits That Last
Since starting the Healthy Schools Recognition Program, our school has seen a noticeable increase in student excitement and engagement. There is growing buy-in among students to promote healthy living, especially as peer role models help influence positive choices.
A variety of events throughout the year has created more opportunities for student involvement, allowing everyone to find something that resonates with them. Unlike the more structured Healthy Schools Certification, the Healthy Schools Recognition Program provides greater flexibility through its self-directed approach, with no fixed deadlines or point system, allowing us to progress at a pace that best meets the needs of our school community.
By pacing events across the school year, students always have something to look forward to, which helps maintain momentum and interest. Over time, these initiatives are becoming embedded in our school culture and everyday language. As students are consistently immersed in activities that promote well-being, healthy living is becoming a natural and valued part of the school community.
Do you have a Healthy Schools initiative you want to share with us? You could be our next featured school! Tag us on social media (@opheacanada) or contact us directly at [email protected] to share your school’s journey.