News
International Human Rights Day was December 10th, 2020
World International Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that states the rights everyone is entitled to as a human being. This year’s theme is Recover Better. Encourage discussions in your school and classroom about the importance of human rights in re-building the world following the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more.
Articles
A Virtual Café for LGBTQ2A+ Youth
It can be challenging for young people who identify as LGBTQ2A+ to find a community where they feel like they belong. In this article a youth peer supporter at Foundry Virtual talks about the advantages of connecting with others online as an LGBTQ2A+ young person, and Foundry’s own virtual drop-in café for young people across British Columbia. Find out more.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as a Lever for Equity and Excellence
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL). CASEL recently released a report which highlighted five emerging insights about using SEL as a lever for equity within school communities. The insights came from school districts involved in CASEL’s Equity Work Group and they address issues such as power, privilege, prejudice, discrimination, social justice, empowerment and self-determination. Find out more.
Stories
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School’s Agricultural Program
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School (SVNS) in Lytton, B.C., used a Healthy Schools B.C. First Nations School Grant to purchase materials and tools to help grow their agricultural program. With the addition of new gardening spaces and animals, SVNS has been able to create a functional and self-sufficient farm that provides food for their breakfast and lunch programs. Find out more.
Valemount’s Mental Health Book Club
Led by school counsellor, Shirley Giroux, education and health professionals in Valemount, B.C. formed a book club to support mental health at the local elementary and secondary schools. Giroux explains how the initiative has enabled education and health professionals to connect and build a common language and understanding of mental health, in addition to building a collection of mental health resources within the community. Find out more.
Resources
Supporting Healthy Eating at School and Beyond
What does it mean to be a “good eater,” and how can we support children and youth to eat well? In this webinar, dietitians from Northern Health and Vancouver Coastal Health discuss the roles adults and children each have with feeding and eating, and how this can foster a lifelong positive relationship with food. Useful for caregivers, educators, health professionals and anyone else who is interested in helping kids develop positive eating behaviours and attitudes. Find out more.
PHE Time Videos
Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada has partnered with the Canadian Olympic School Program to create instructional videos that will engage students in physical education, healthy eating and emotional well-being activities. With one-on-one instruction from physical and health educators and Canadian Olympic athletes, these videos are designed to support both synchronous and asynchronous educational programming. Find out more.
Announcements
Shaping the Future is January 17th-29th, 2021
Shaping the Future is an annual conference that brings together educators, health and wellness professionals and researchers from across Canada to explore aspects of comprehensive school health. This year the conference will be virtual. Shelley Moore, an inclusive education teacher and researcher from British Columbia, will be delivering the keynote presentation. Find out more.
