• Involve everyone: kids, teachers, principals, parents, and community members.
• Start by taking a good look at what is currently going on and where you would like to be.
• Develop a plan that builds on the good things your school already has in place and helps you get to the next step.
• Find ways to fill the gaps.

Getting Started

• Find out if your school district already has a healthy schools program. Some examples of healthy schools programs include the David Thompson Health-Promoting Schools, Calgary Rocky View Student Health Partnership, and Ever Active Schools.
• Find out who is already making good things happen at your school or at a neighbouring school. Recruit those people to help make a plan for your school.
• Bring the school community together through meetings, surveys, and discussions. Let people know that everyone’s voice will be heard, including the students.

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An Example of How to Create a Healthy, Active School

An Edmonton-area school drew on ideas from the Ever Active Schools program to create a healthy and active school community. Ever Active Schools, an Alberta-based program, helps school communities support healthy active lifestyles. Member schools are recognized for their focus on physical activity and well being and can access resources to improve their school environment.

1.    Two physical education teachers took the lead. They recruited a principal, student leaders, parents, and the community to help them develop a plan.

2.       The team reviewed what had already been done and where they wanted to go using a comprehensive school health approach. The team looked at the school’s

• environment (both physical and social);
• instruction (of students, parents, and staff); and
• services/supports (to meet the different needs of all participants).

3.       The team submitted its plan to Ever Active Schools, which gave the school resources, recognition, and a chance to share information and learn with other schools in the area.

4.       The school identified the school store as a priority in the first year of a two-year plan. The partners then worked together to change the menu and offer healthier choices. Physical activity opportunities also increased after implementing Alberta Education’s Daily Physical Activity initiative.

5.       Team members now meet regularly to keep their plan on track. At these meetings, they evaluate successes and challenges and set new goals.

6.       Champions from the school stay connected with Ever Active Schools to hear about new resources and to share with and learn from other Ever Active Schools’ members in Alberta.

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You Can Do It!

It takes effort to create a healthy school, but there are good models out there. Start by identifying partners, taking stock of the good things going on now, and making a plan. Then set the plan in motion, using available resources. Later on, you can reflect on what worked and what didn’t, so that you can improve your plan.

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Learn More

Action Schools! BC
This British Columbia initiative focuses on six “action zones” to help schools create individualized plans for promoting healthy living: environment, scheduled physical education, classroom action, family and community action, extracurricular activities, and school spirit.

Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities (ACHSC)
This network of partners is committed to promoting healthy school communities.

Calgary Rocky View Student Health Partnership (CRVSHP)
The CRVSHP improves access to a range of coordinated, school-based services that help children and youth succeed at learning and improving health.

Curriculum Handbooks for Parents (Alberta Education)
These handbooks summarize what kids are expected to learn in each grade.

Ever Active Schools (EAS)
Ever Active Schools fosters social and physical environments in schools to support healthy and active lifestyles. The “Promising Practices” document provides practical ideas. The SummerActive School Resource Guide on this website includes physical activity and healthy eating information for parents, teachers, and community leaders.

Living School
This Ontario pilot project encourages communities to support active, healthy living for children and youth.

Making It Happen
Making It Happen, a BC website for teachers and parents, helps make healthy eating happen at school. This website is filled with resources, ideas, and testimonials.