FAQ's - Questions and answers

A school that protects and promotes the health of its students and staff improve students’ ability to learn. Healthy children are better prepared to learn because they attend school more regularly, feel good about themselves and relate more effectively with others.

To be effective, a school needs to take a comprehensive approach, incorporating promoting a climate that not only promotes physical activity and good nutrition, but establishes a supportive environment to tackle a broad range of health issues, includingaddictions, mental health, and teen sexual health among others.
A health-promoting school, for example, might be promoting physical activity between and after classes, be championing  the provincial Food and Nutrition policy, and taking opportunities within the curriculum to emphasize smart health choices on a variety of issues.

A health promoting school is one that creates a healthy setting for students and staff. It engages parents, students, educators, health providers and community to work together to create a healthy school environment.

Schools should establish policies and practices and provide services that are conducive to good health, focusing on creating healthy physical and social conditions within the school.

Health promoting schools need to be inclusive and fair, take care of individuals and promote respect for self, others, the wider community and the environment. 
Health promoting schools should also have a strong commitment to partnership that involves and reflects the views of students, staff, parents, the wider community and key agencies. 
The curriculum and methods of teaching should support students and have a positive effect on their health and well-being.
Approaches to personal and social development and health education should consider the health needs of students, as well as the factors that influence their values, attitudes, behaviour and health.