Educators, parents, students and other partners in B.C. communities are working to make sure our schools are “healthy.” That means taking action in a whole range of areas, recognizing that healthy children learn better – and that schools are an ideal place for children to learn healthy habits.
Healthy schools are active in all three of the following areas:
- teaching and learning
- school environment, culture and organization
- partnerships, supports and services.
Here are some examples of programs and resources being used in B.C. schools:
Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools
This provincial initiative highlights the importance of positive, welcoming school cultures and nurturing learning environments for maximizing students’ success at school. It’s based on the understanding that – when students feel safe, when everyone understands expectations of acceptable behaviour at school, and when all members of the school community treat one another with consideration and respect – students can turn their full attention to learning.
Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework (PDF)
This resource provides guidance to schools to help them build welcoming learning environments that respond to the social and cultural needs of all students and their families.
Action Schools! BC
This program focuses on actions in six different areas to support student health and well-being.
Allergies
A new initiative was announced in September 2007 recognizing the need to protect children with severe allergies. All B.C. school districts are now required to develop and implement anaphylaxis policies (PDF) that meet rigorous provincial standards.
B.C. Healthy Schools Network
Find out more healthy school activities and resources, and read the latest Healthy Schools Network newsletter. You can also call your local school and ask about programs and practices supporting student health.
Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools
Want more information on specific topics, such as bullying, diversity, child welfare and social responsibility? The Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools website offers resources and links to organizations, including guides for educators, information for parents and support for children and youth.
Keeping Kids Safe
To find out information on child abuse and what you can do to help, visit the Keeping Kids Safe website. It includes information on who to contact if you need help.
Tobacco Free Schools
It is against the law to smoke or use tobacco in or on school property. This website contains information about the B.C. Tobacco Control Act and why it is important to keep our schools tobacco-free.
Let's Play
The B.C. government has created $6.5 million in grant programs to support the replacement of playgrounds across B.C., including $2.5 million to Let’s Play, a program in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation, to create accessible or barrier-free play spaces throughout B.C. Let’s Play grants are available to schools, municipalities and other qualified community organizations interested in developing new spaces, renovating existing spaces and/or purchasing equipment to create accessible or barrier-free public play spaces for young children and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities.