HEALTHY SCHOOLS BC NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2019
News

Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 30 th , 2019
Dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk campaign promotes awareness and action with a strategy built on fighting stigma, improving access to care, supporting research and leading by example in workplace mental health. Want to help end the stigma, but not sure how? Bell Let’s Talk created a toolkit that includes a conversation guide, helpful tips for the workplace, as well as, shareable images for all to use to show their support. Find out more


Articles

Keep Teens Moving!
We know that physical activity during adolescence has numerous benefits on physical health, mental health, and educational achievement. A recent study sheds light on the important relationship between teen physical activity levels to both their future activity levels and educational attainment outcomes. Bottom line – we need to keep our youth moving. For tips on how to promote and encourage physical activity for all students across the school day check out: OPHEA .

Imagine a Canada
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is calling all young people from across the country from kindergarten to grade 12 to lead our nation through Reconciliation. Imagine a Canada is a great way to empower our youth to be the change they want to see in the world. Students can share their vision of what Reconciliation can be through a poem, a song, a painting, a sculpture, a rap, a drawing, an essay, anything! Each piece of art is showcased and honoured by the NCTR. Deadline is January 31st, 2019. Find out more .


Stories

Carson Elementary's Outdoor Classroom & Garden
Teachers at Carson Elementary in Quesnel are aware of the benefits of outdoor play and approached the idea of creating an outdoor classroom and school garden. With the help of a Healthy Schools BC grant, they installed four raised garden beds and planted a variety of vegetables and fruit. They educated the students on Indigenous people’s traditional use of plants, as well as, participated in many outdoor classroom activities. They invited parents and guardians to be actively involved in the outdoor classroom and garden, thereby enhancing school connectedness in their school community. Find out more .


Reso urces

The New Year is a Great Time to Start a Healthy Eating Unit
January is a great time to explore healthy eating. Growing Chefs In Our Classroom Gardening and Cooking Program, pairs community volunteers with urban elementary school classrooms to give students hands-on experience growing and cooking their own food. Their website offers a host of lesson plans, activities and even easy recipes for kids to try. Find out more.

Active for Life - Elementary Teacher Toolkit
The elementary school years are an important time for developing physical literacy. Through fun games and active play, children develop the movement skills and confidence that form the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and health. Teachers can find a wide variety of teaching resources and information to help children develop physical literacy, as well as, tips and tools for engaging parents in the process. Find out more .


Announcements

BC Dairy Association Mini Food Grants Deadline February 10 th 2019
Would you like to use food in your classroom to inspire your students to be healthier eaters? All BC teachers who are teaching one of BC Dairy Association’s nutrition education programs are eligible to apply for a mini food grant again this year. The application deadline is Sunday, February 10, 2019. Find out more.