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.
The Healthy Schools journey at École élémentaire Nouvel Horizon has grown over the years, establishing lasting traditions and meaningful connections between students of all ages and abilities while strengthening the school community.
Here’s what their team shared about how their efforts have helped create a welcoming and connected school environment.
Every Voice is Heard
Our school has participated in the Healthy Schools Certification Program for several years, and we are now part of the Healthy Schools Recognition Program. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the students involved.
Sending out a survey to the students, staff and parents/guardians to ask about well-being priorities really shows that every voice will be heard (even the kindergarten students can participate in the survey!) We used our older students as leaders and recruited other staff members to help out too.
School Traditions
Many of our Healthy Schools initiatives have become school traditions that we have continued each year, including:
- Our Monday morning walk outside to start the day
- A welcome celebration that pairs a kindergarten student with a Grade 6 student at the beginning of the year (our school is a JK – Grade 6 school)
- The Terry Fox Walk
- Jump Rope for Heart
- Our yearly trip to a local arena for some skating
- Sports tournaments
- Our Winter Carnival/Winter Olympics.
The students share great memories of these traditions.
Winter Olympic Fun
The Winter Olympics took centre stage this year! We had three weeks of Olympic-related activities: Opening Ceremonies, 6 competitions (hockey on scooter boards, curling, biathlon, skeleton, speed skating, and bobsleigh). Students competed as different countries and even won medals, which were made by our Grade 5/6 students! We ended with our closing ceremonies to celebrate the joy the Olympics bring.
Challenging Logistics
Finding time during busy days and busy periods of the year has been a big challenge. It can be difficult to find a recess during which the committee can meet, since there are so many other committees and activities running during recess.
When we do meet, we are fortunate to have lots of students who love to get involved! Many students participate in different school committees and enjoy helping to make the school a better place. We have wonderful student leaders in Grade 6 and it is thanks to them that we can run our activities. We often recognize their involvement and leadership during our activities.
The Healthy Schools Recognition Program allows schools to focus on the well-being of students and staff. Several initiatives will benefit both. It is an opportunity to develop leadership abilities with students determining goals, strategies, and evaluating their success.
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.
