School Well-being
Supporting school communities to provide students with the important knowledge and tools they need to make healthy choices is a top priority. This page provides educators with practical guidance, tips, and resources on physical activity, active school travel, the environment, head lice, and screen time. Find what you need to support a safe and healthy school environment.
Active School Travel (AST)
Active School Travel (AST) means using active and sustainable transportation for the daily trips to and from school. Doing this helps to address health and traffic safety issues while taking action on air pollution and climate change. AST Peterborough is a partnership comprised of representatives from GreenUP, Lakelands Public Health, KPR District School Board, PVNCC District School Board, Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario, the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, The Crossing Guards of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Police Service.
Schools are welcome to reach out to AST Peterborough for information and, potentially, support. More information and resources relating to active school travel can be found at on GreenUP's website.
Health and the Environment
- Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship promotes and supports healthy childhood development, community connection, and environmental stewardship through building an early and ongoing relationship with nature.
- GreenUp offers a variety of environmental learning programs for elementary students.
Physical Health & Education
OPHEA supports Ontario schools with lesson plans, activity ideas, and professional learning aligned with the Ontario curriculum, so that every student can thrive.
- Health and Phys Ed Elementary Resources: Grade 1-8
- Health and Phys Ed Secondary Resources
- Always Changing and Growing Up - offering content, lesson plans, and teaching strategies to help students understand their changing bodies, the stages of puberty, and developing a positive self-image
Physical Health and Education (PHE) Canada
PHE's Time Videos feature physical health educators and Canadian Olympic athletes, to offer a series of virtual instructions to guide your students in physical education, healthy eating, and emotional ell-being activities.
Screens and Technology Use
Balancing the benefits and risks of young people using screens and digital technology is a common concern. Lesson plans are available here for K-8 about screens, media, and mental health.
Head Lice
Head lice are a common in school settings. While they are not a medical illness and do not spread disease, they can cause discomfort and stress for students and families.
- Be supportive and discreet. Students with lice should not be singled out or embarrassed.
- Treatment is recommended, not exclusion.
- Communicate with families and health staff. Encourage parents to follow treatment guidelines and contact the school or contact Lakelands Public Health for support.
- Promote prevention. Avoid sharing personal items like hats or combs, and reassure students that lice are common and manageable.
For detailed guidance on treatment and household management, see the Facts of Lice Guide.
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