HEALTHY SCHOOLS BC NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2019
News

June 21 st is National Indigenous Peoples Day
This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of  First Nations Inuit  and  Métis  peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. For free promotional resources, including posters and activity guides, check out: National Indigenous Peoples Day.


Articles

Do Nature Experiences Promote Learning and Child Development?
A recent review of research focused on the role of nature experiences in learning and development. The results suggest that nature experiences boost academic learning, personal development, and environmental stewardship. It is theorized that this is accomplished by improving learners’ attention, self-discipline, interest and enjoyment in learning, while also decreasing stress.   Find out more.


Stories
 
Marlborough Elementary Digs Gardening
Marlborough Elementary in Burnaby has over 900 diverse students from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. When teachers noticed that many students were not spending enough time outside and did not have fresh fruits and vegetables in their lunches, their school community took action. This included starting a school garden and using nature as a classroom. Find out more.

PHE Canada Launches ReBOOT Intramurals
Intramurals are designed to be fun, inclusive, and an open platform for young people to shake up their day. It provides a unique opportunity in the school day, outside of instructional class time, to get children and youth engaged and excited about participating in physical activity. ReBOOT Intramurals is a new pilot program by PHE Canada designed to support and engage young people with lower rates of sport and physical activity participation compared to their peers.  Find out more.


Reso urces

Heart Mind Online
Caring adults can create environments and opportunities that contribute to the healthy development of all children and youth. Heart-Mind Online provides evidence-informed knowledge, insight and resources that support educators in responding to the social and emotional learning needs of students. From the early years to adolescents, educators will find information and ideas that can be incorporated into everyday instructional practices. Find out more.  

Power Smart for Schools
Power Smart for Schools believes that creating energy conservation awareness among the next generation is one of the keys to energy sustainability for our province. Power Smart aims to educate and empower students to take action on energy use within their schools, homes and communities. The classroom resources on Power Smart for Schools are developed for B.C. teachers and students, and are designed to encourage school communities to develop and foster a culture of energy conservation and safety. Find out more.


Announcements

Healthy Schools BC Regional and First Nation Schools Grants
Keep your eyes open for the 2019-2020 Healthy Schools BC Regional Grant and First Nation Schools Grant applications. The Healthy Schools BC Regional Grants support education and health-sector partners to work together on initiatives that support healthy schools, through strengthened partnerships. First Nation School Grants are intended to support First Nations schools in implementing Indigenous ways of wellness across a whole-school environment. Applications will be available on the Healthy Schools BC website in September.

June 1 st  was National Health and Fitness Day
On June 1st, nearly four hundred communities across the country celebrated National Health and Fitness Day. We can be physically active at all ages and stages of life. Even small changes in our physical activity levels can help us feel more energetic and capable of handling the challenges of day-to-day life. Download free activity ideas, posters, and tool kits on National Health and Fitness Day to promote fitness any day of the week.