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 through:
- encouraging a student-centred approach
- establishing a shared and focused commitment between students, school staff, and the broader community
- supporting school teams in identifying and implementing initiatives and evaluating their impact on the school community
- aligning with broader school/school board priorities and initiatives
- recognizing and celebrating schools for their commitment, progress, and achievements
This program empowers schools with flexibility and ownership by providing tools, tips, and prompts that support the development of a personalized Healthy Schools journey.
Why join the Healthy Schools Recognition Program?
The Healthy Schools Recognition 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.
This program has been developed to support schools in enhancing the health and well-being of their students and staff, as well as strengthening school-based initiatives supporting health, belonging, inclusion and well-being. It also encourages meaningful collaboration to promote a holistic, whole-community approach to the Healthy Schools journey.
By taking part in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program, schools can get support with goals like:
- strengthening the school community and developing students’ sense of belonging, which can lead to improvements in physical and mental health, social development, and academic success
- establishing healthy, safe, and inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and connected and can reach their full potential
- planning and implementing priorities reflective of your whole school community and its needs
- increasing access to and participation in school-wide health and well-being initiatives
- demonstrating a commitment to supporting school-wide health through measurable improvements in school policies, daily classroom practices, and community engagement
- promoting and empowering student leadership to build skills and support a student-focused approach
- promoting student learning through improvements in student health and well-being
- creating long-term strategies and approaches to maintaining a Healthy School
