NEWS RELEASE
December 11, 2006
McGuinty Government Issues Healthy Schools Challenge
Schools To Build On Progress To Improve Student Health
TORONTO — The McGuinty government is challenging every school in Ontario to work with student, parent and community partners to find ways of making schools healthier in 2006/07, Education Minister Kathleen Wynne and Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson announced today.
“I’m asking all schools in the province to accept our challenge and commit to doing at least one more thing to make their students and schools healthier this school year,” said Wynne. “Much progress has been made since 2003, and many schools are already leading the way — but we can do more to make our schools healthier places to learn.”
In response to this challenge, some examples of what a school could do include planting a vegetable garden on school grounds, forming an after-school running club, or creating a mural affirming all school property as a bully-free zone.
This challenge is part of the government’s Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
In addition to the challenge, $1,000 is being allocated to all secondary schools to help them better engage the creativity of their students in developing a healthier learning environment.
“This challenge is simple, achievable and in the best interests of healthy young minds and bodies,” said Watson. “And we will acknowledge every school that accepts our challenge with a certificate and a pennant recognizing the school’s effort to promote better health for its students.”
To accept the challenge and receive recognition, schools must pledge to add at least one more healthy activity or program this school year. The school’s pledge must be signed by its principal, school council chair and a student representative.
Schools are encouraged to consult with staff, students, parents and the community to determine activities for the year. The Ministry of Education has also developed a broad framework for healthy schools in consultation with experts from the education and health sectors. The framework outlines components of a healthy school and is posted on the ministry’s website. Tools, tips and best practices are also posted to help schools plan their activities and measure success.
“The Healthy Schools Challenge will help schools identify more ways to improve the health of our students,” said Mary Jean Gallagher, chair of the Council of Directors of Education, and executive director Frank Kelly. “I know there’s a lot of good work going on out there already, so it’s great that the government is recognizing this. Healthier schools certainly help to make greater student achievement possible.”
The McGuinty government has a variety of initiatives at work in Ontario’s schools to make them healthier places to learn, including:
- Asking elementary schools to remove junk food from vending machines;
- Requiring 20 minutes of daily physical activity;
- Introducing a comprehensive bullying prevention strategy;
- Requiring every school board to have an anaphylactic policy in place (per Sabrina’s Law), and
- Implementing the Northern Fruit and Vegetable pilot program.
“Students, teachers and the broader community all benefit when children learn in a healthy school,” said Wynne. “That’s why I’m encouraging every school in the province to accept our challenge by finding at least one simple way of becoming healthier, and then be recognized for it.”
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Contacts:
Ministry of Education
Valérie Poulin
Minister’s Office
416-325-2632
Patricia MacNeil
Communications Branch
416-325-2676
Ministry of Health Promotion
Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg
Communications Branch
416-326-4833
Public Inquiries:
416-325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514
TTY: 1-800-263-2892
