Challenging Students To Make Their Schools Healthier

McGuinty Government Promotes Healthy, Active Living For Students

Ontario students are being challenged to take part in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program and make their schools healthier.Now in its fourth year, the recognition program encourages schools to pledge to do something healthy, such as:

• Offering a healthy menu alternative for the school lunch program
• Establishing a daily running or walking club
• Inviting health professionals to speak with students about fitness and teen health.

The deadline for submissions is April 8, 2010. Participating schools will receive a certificate and pennant to display in their school.

QUICK FACTS

• Over the last three years, more than 3,000 schools have pledged to do more than 6,500 healthy activities through the program.
• Research shows that a healthy school environment enhances learning and success in school, and provides academic, social, emotional and physical benefits.
• Ontario’s After-School Initiative also promotes good nutrition and positive activity among children and youth in some of Ontario’s high-needs neighbourhoods.

LEARN MORE

• Find out how you can help create a healthier learning environment at your school.
• Read some of the success stories from past years.
• www.ontario.ca/healthpromotion-news
• www.ontario.ca/education-news

CONTACTS

• Michelle Despault
Minister’s Office
416-212-3747
michelle.despault[at]nullontario.ca

• Wendy Vincent
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497
wendy.vincent[at]nullontario.ca

• Patricia MacNeil
Communications Branch
416-325-2676
patricia.macneil[at]nullontario.ca

• Julie Rosenberg
Communications
416-326-4833
julie.rosenberg[at]nullontario.ca

Ministry of Education
www.ontario.ca/education