News
erase
Expands to Protect Students from Cyberbullying
The Ministry of Education is investing to provide online safety sessions to more than 19,000 students in grades 3-12. The sessions will provide students with information on recognizing the importance of a positive digital reputation, protecting their privacy online and details on how to use the
erase
(Expect Respect and a Safe Education) anonymous-reporting tool in response to bullying and other concerns. The new sessions are part of the expanded
erase
strategy, which now includes a focus on social media and online safety, mental health and wellness, substance use, gang prevention and supporting students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI).
Find out more at erase.gov.bc.ca.
Teen Vaping on the Rise
Teen vapin
g
is
on the rise
in BC. Information about the health impact is available through
Health Canada
, which includes specific information about
vaping and youth
. Health Canada's
Consider the Consequences
youth vaping initiative includes online activities and printed resources to raise awareness about the consequences of vaping for teens. Interior Health has also compiled a
helpful list of resources
and links for educators to encourage engaging students in activities and discussions about tobacco and vapour products
.
Articles
Research Finds Non-teaching Staff Are Important for Well-being in Schools
A School Health Research Network study in Wales explored the role of teaching and non-teaching staff in relation to student health and well-being in secondary schools. Findings from interviews conducted with the entire school community demonstrated that the prominence of well-being in schools relies on staffing structures which include a team of non-teaching support staff that work alongside teachers to promptly manage student issues and build trust and rapport in a one-to-one setting.
Find out more
.
Stories
Ten Canadian Schools' Stories of Climate Action
UNESCO, together with the Sustainability and Education Partnership Network and the University of Saskatchewan’s Sustainability Education Research Institute, put together a collection of promising practices on climate action taking place in 10 Canadian UNESCO Associated Schools. Their whole school approach framework closely resembles the
Comprehensive School Health Framework
. To read these inspiring stories
click here.
Locally Sourced Produce Enriches School Salad Bar Program
A successful student is a well-nourished student and at Huband Park Elementary School in Courtenay, the parents, volunteers and the surrounding farming community ensure that the food on students' plates is wholesome, well-sourced and nutritious. Huband Park Elementary School received a grant from
Farm to Cafeteria Canada
and were able to build upon their already successful Salad Bar program. They have a weekly theme which encourages creativity and adds to the enjoyment. The program has been so successful they made a video blog about it.
Watch it here.
Reso
urces
Teaching Sexual Health
The Teaching Sexual Health website, sponsored by the Alberta Government, provides
up-to-date, evidence-based information and strategies for teachers and all educators
. All resources have been developed by educators and medical professionals to assist the teaching of sexual health. For grade-specific lesson plans and a host of resources, check out
Teaching Sexual Health
.
Canada's National Ballet School is "Sharing Dance" In the Classroom
Get your classroom dancing! Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) believes that all kids should have access to the physical, emotional and social benefits of dance. NBS Sharing Dance Kids is designed to inspire creativity, build self-confidence and develop physical literacy skills with fun dance lessons and activities. Explore free online resources that include downloadable lesson plans and video content - best of all, no dance experience is necessary to facilitate or participate.
Find out more
.
Announcements
McCreary Centre Society Youth Action Grants
The Youth Action Grants (YAG) were created by McCreary’s Youth Advisory & Action Council (YAC). The purpose of the YAGs is to provide BC youth (ages 12–19) from school districts that participated in the 2018 BC Adolescent Health Survey the opportunity to deliver a project to improve youth health in their school or community. The 2019 granting cycle is now open.
Find out more.
April 22nd 2019 is Earth Day
Earth Day Canada is on April 22nd. Outdoor play is the foundation of environmental education and action. Earth Day Canada's new program Earth Play focuses on self-directed outdoor play as a natural part of a child's day-to-day life by addressing play provision in schools, parks, streets and community green spaces. For free educator resources and to find out how you can celebrate Earth Day in your school and on the playground check out -
Earth Day Canada
and
Earth Play
