SCHOOL
Health Happens at School
All schools have a common goal to support the growth and development of each student. They are helping strengthen connections between staff, students, and even nature and the outdoors to inspire and influence learning for life!
They are not only learning the alphabet and arithmetic – they are learning how to make daily choices, and understand the components to living a healthy life. South Georgian Bay is a community containing many schools with different resources and cultures. However, all schools share the responsibility to make health and well-being a priority adapting their environments to help children make healthier choices as they grow.
Click on the Tabs Below to Learn About Health in Schools
10 HOURS OF SLEEP
Youth
Are you feeling sleepy in class? Is your school work becoming harder to finish? You may not be getting enough sleep.
• Aim for 10 hours of sleep each night. it will help you to feel better, think longer and give you more energy
• Turn off your electronics one to two hours before bedtime to help prepare your body for sleep
Parent
The amount of sleep your child gets can directly affect their ability to think, problem solve, and memorize. These key things will affect how they do on quizzes and tests, so assist in developing regular sleep and wake up times to ensure each child performs to the best of their ability!
Staff
Have students reflect on how they feel following a poor night’s sleep. Incorporate information on sleep hygiene and the benefits of adequate sleep on learning and mood. Teach them how important it is to give their brains a rest to be ready to learn the following day!
10 HOURS OF SLEEP
LEARN MORE
Sleep. It’s more important than we think. Watch videos about why sleep is important and find more information to help both you and your child sleep well!
5 SERVINGS FRUIT + VEGGIES
Youth
Help pack your own lunch and snacks with fruits and veggies. You can ask for fruits and veggies in your snack programs at schools.
Parent
Include your children in packing their lunches and snacks for school! Consider volunteering with your breakfast/snack programs at schools to get fruits and veggies on the menu.
Staff
Support healthy eating in the classroom by offering non-food or healthy food fundraisers, classroom parties and rewards and incentives. 5 SERVINGS FRUIT + VEGGIES LEARN MORE Choose to boost veggies and fruit! Learn why vegetables and fruit are the best to fuel your body. Watch videos and discover interactive apps to colour up your life!
2 or Less Hours Recreational Screen Time
Youth
Turn off the screens and have fun with your friends! Spend time with your friends reading, talking, and doing arts and crafts. Play board games or go outside and enjoy a game of soccer, basketball or tag. And don’t forget to laugh!
Parent
Become aware of the different effects screen time can have on your child’s ability to learn and how their emotional and social development can be negatively impacted. Consider gradually cutting out and significantly decreasing screen time during the school week. This may be difficult at first, but be sure to have patience!
2 HOURS OR LESS RECREATIONAL SCREEN TIME LEARN MORE Take a break, turn it off. Unplug and play! Learn how screen time can affect your health and try new ways to set healthy screen time limits. Be sure not to stay too long!
1 Hour Physical Activity
Youth
Bored of taking the bus to school but still want to travel with your friends? Walk, cycle, run or scoot to and from school! During recess or lunch break play your favourite game with your friends or make up your own. If you are allowed, use the gym for a quick workout before your next period!
Parent
Pack clothing for both indoor and outdoor play so your child can be ready to take part in activities in any season. Help your child walk, cycle or scoot to school! Work with school staff to help add in more physical activity into the school day.
Staff
Incorporate movement into classroom routine and transform learning spaces to facilitate movement (i.e., desk arrangements, standing desks). To ensure students participate in daily physical activity each day for a minimum of 20 minutes of continuous moderate to vigorous physical activity provide intramurals, non-competitive school programmes and support the walking school bus program!
1 HOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEARN MORE Run • Jump • Play • Everyday • Watch cool videos to learn about new activities and sports you can enjoy with friends. Start a family competition and have everyone track their steps with one of the suggested apps!
0 Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Youth
Bring your water bottle to school and refill it so you can sip water all day long.
Parent
You are your child’s best role model. Choose to drink water first for thirst.
Staff
Be a role model for students. Bring a reusable water container and drink water throughout the day.
0 SUGAR – SWEETENED BEVERAGES
LEARN MORE
Water does wonders! Why is water the best choice for thirst? You are what you drink! Click here to find out why to fuel your body with water.
Mental Health
Youth
Are you feeling sad, mad or frustrated? Are you dealing with hard things in life? You are not alone. Talk to a parent, trusted adult or teacher. It is okay to ask for help. It is often easier to get through things when you have help at your side. Be a friend to a student going through hard times.
Parent
Take time to find out how your child is feeling. Allow your child to explain what happened and why they are feeling bad. Respect your child’s concerns. Say something positive about the situation if you can. Comfort your child. Help your child to think of ideas to cheer themselves up. Help them to use their coping skills. Explain to school staff how they can help support your child. It is okay to ask for help.
Staff
Work together to create a positive and inclusive environment so all students can feel safe and respected. Train students, teachers and administrators to have the skills to appropriately address bullying. Be proactive in helping to break down barriers. Be supportive and encourage students to stand up for one another by encouraging the organization of societies and activities that promote awareness and inclusiveness.
MENTAL HEALTH
LEARN MORE
There is no health without mental health. Mental health matters. Click to learn where you can talk to someone and the importance of connecting with family and friends, as well as your doctor or counsellor.
Family Life
Youth
Reach out to your parents for extra help! They can provide you with the right resources to help you accomplish school tasks without mistakes, but remember mistakes can help you learn new skills.
Parent
Let your child relax after school. Ask your child about their homework. Help your child to create a positive work space and time to do their homework. Offer praise while your child is working. Prompt your child to solve problems on their own. Reward your child when they have finished their work. Get to know your child’s teachers. Become involved in your child’s school community!
Staff
Remind parents about mutual caring for their child’s success. Encourage them to attend parent-teacher conferences to learn how working together in a partnership will help highlight the student’s strengths and weaknesses to create effective study strategies to achieve success.
FAMILY LIFE
LEARN MORE
Life with kids is messy and that is ok! Fill your parenting tool box with humor, tips and more!
Money
Youth
If money is stopping you from participating, talk to an adult you trust at school. They can help you to join in school activities at low to no cost.
Parent
School is a place where children and youth have access to free resources. If money is stopping your child from participating, talk to someone who works in the school who you trust for support. Reach out and ask for help.
Staff
Continue to practice principles of equity and inclusion. Consider applying for grants and advocate to have money available so that all students can participate. This will allow all students to engage and feel included in their school.
MONEY
LEARN MORE
Your income can affect your health. Learn about South Georgian Bay’s many resources and tools to help you meet your most basic needs.
Health Happens Everywhere, Every Day in South Georgian Bay.
The Be Well Community Collective embodies collaboration, partnerships and improving health and happiness.