Ophea’s Healthy Schools
Certification Guidebook
Copyright © 2015-2016 Ophea
All rights reserved. No part of this resource may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form, by any means (electronic,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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About Ophea
Ophea is a not-for-profit organization that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities and is led by
the vision that all children and youth value and enjoy the lifelong benefits of healthy, active living. Ophea collaborates
with school boards, schools, public health units and community partners to facilitate our work. Ophea has been leading
provincial Healthy Schools initiatives for over 10 years, reaching hundreds of schools and demonstrating the positive impact
of this approach on all members of the school community.
Acknowledgments
Ophea would like to acknowledge the following schools for their invaluable participation in the 2014-2015 Healthy Schools
Certification pilot:
School
School Board
Allandale Heights Public School
Simcoe County
Archbishop O’Sullivan Catholic School
Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic
Barrydowne College
Rainbow District
Collingwood Collegiate
Simcoe County
École Harris Mill Public School
Upper Grand
Highgate Public School
York Region
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School
Huron Superior Catholic
Huntington Ridge Public School
Peel
La Salle Secondary School
Limestone
Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School
Niagara Catholic
Maurice Cody Junior Public School
Toronto District
Module Vanier
Limestone
Notre Dame High School
Ottawa Catholic
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
Toronto Catholic
Pierre Elliott Trudeau French Immersion Public School
Thames Valley
Queen Victoria Public School
Greater Essex County
Richmond Rose Public School
York Region
École élémentaire catholique Roger-St-Denis
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Wellington Catholic
St. Faustina Elementary School
Dufferin Peel Catholic
St. John School
Kenora Catholic
St. Patrick School
Northeastern Catholic
St. Pius X School
Thunder Bay Catholic
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Thunder Bay Catholic
Stanley Mills Public School
Peel
T.A. Blakelock High School
Halton
Unionville Meadows Public School
York Region
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Acknowledgments (cont.)
Ophea would also like to acknowledge all partners for their contribution to the planning and development of this initiative,
in particular:
• Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition
• Ontario School Health Management
in Public Health Network
• Ontario Student Trustees’ Association
• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
• Sudbury and District Health Unit
• Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
• York Region Public Health Unit
• Ministry of Education
• Public Health Ontario
• Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
• Brock University
• University of Waterloo
Funding Support
Ophea wishes to thank the Government of Ontario for their financial contribution to Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification.
Ophea also wishes to thank Canadian Tire Corporation for contributing to Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification and for the
integration of their Hero of Play program.
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Table of Contents
What is Ophea’s Healthy Schools (HS) Certification? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview of Ophea’s HS Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Goals of Ophea’s HS Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ophea Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hero of Play Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How Can My School Get Certified? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1. Familiarize Yourself With the Healthy Schools Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Review Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3. Register Your School Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. Familiarize Yourself With Your School’s Online Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1-4 and Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1-6 and Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7. Submit Your Application for Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8. Receive Your Certification Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Levels of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Certification Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Key Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Student Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Healthy Schools Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Review Process, Feedback, and Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 1 - Establish Your School Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Step 2 - Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 3 - Identify Your Priority Health Topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Step 4 - Develop An Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Step 5 - Take Action and Monitor Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Step 6 - Celebrate and Reflect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Healthy Schools Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Key Dates to Remember
Friday, October 9, 2015
Friday, February 12, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Deadline to register for certification
and to complete your school profile.
Deadline to submit your action plan.
Deadline to submit your completed
application for certification review.
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What is Ophea’s Healthy Schools
(HS) Certification?
Overview of Ophea’s HS Certification
The Healthy Schools approach engages the whole school community to promote and enhance the health and well-being
of children, youth, school staff, and the broader community. Ophea’s Healthy Schools (HS) Certification is based on the
6-Step Healthy Schools Process, in alignment with Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource. This process guides
a school through the steps needed to plan and implement a range of activities that promote well-being in the school
community focusing on a selected priority health topic that is important to the school. Through a point-based system, over
the course of the school year schools will be able to plan their Healthy Schools process steps online and apply to be certified
as a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Healthy School.
Why is the Healthy Schools approach important?
Healthy students are better prepared to learn and education is a key determinant of health. Highlighting well-being as a
goal for education in Ontario recognizes its importance to our students and their futures. The Healthy Schools approach
motivates and supports school communities in establishing healthy, safe, inclusive, and accepting learning environments
where all students can reach their full potential. Healthy Schools is an evidence-based approach supported by provincial,
national and international research. It aligns with Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource (November 2014)
and has the potential to make substantial contributions to Achieving Excellence - Ontario’s renewed four year vision for
education (April 2014). Every school in Ontario has the potential to become a healthy school; all they need are the tools and
support to get there.
Goals of Ophea’s HS Certification
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification is guided by the following goals:
• Support and increase the capacity of schools across Ontario to address a priority health topic through the
effective implementation of the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process; and,
• Celebrate and formally recognize an individual school’s achievements relating to Healthy Schools.
Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School Resource
Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource promotes and supports the well-being of school communities. It
encourages the integration of Healthy Schools policies, programs and initiatives into school and school board planning and
implementation processes. The resource aligns with the K–12 School Effectiveness Framework by including five interconnected
areas that promote a positive school climate:
•
•
•
•
•
Student Engagement
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Home, School and Community Partnerships
School and Classroom Leadership
Social and Physical Environments
Planning activities relating to these five areas will help schools, school boards, parents, public health units, and community
partners work together to take a comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic in their community.
To access the Foundations for a Healthy School resource, please visit: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/foundations.html
Ministry of Education. (2014). Foundations for a Healthy School. p. 2
Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/foundations.html
1
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Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process
Ophea’s HS Certification is built on a 6-step process that supports school communities to take a planned, comprehensive
approach to address a priority health topic over the course of a school year. These 6 steps include:
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Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process (cont.)
Health Topics
School communities participating in HS Certification may choose to address one of the following six health topics:
Physical
Activity
Healthy
Eating
Personal Safety
and Injury
Prevention
Growth and
Development
Mental
Health
Substance Use,
Addictions and
Related Behaviours
Why have one priority health topic?
While a healthy school community aims to promote health in all six of the interconnected health topics, selecting a
priority health topic based on your school community’s needs and assets allows you to focus the work of your school team
and address that health topic comprehensively across as many of the Foundations for a Healthy School areas as possible
(e.g. Student Engagement, Social and Physical Environments, etc.). Especially for schools newer to the Healthy Schools
approach, focusing on one priority health topic allows the school community to direct resources towards a common goal
and strengthen the message around the health topic that is most relevant.
Given that the health topics are so interconnected, you’ll find that while addressing your priority health topic, your school
team will address others as well. For example, if your priority health topic is “Growth and Development”, activities such
as creating a Gay-Straight Alliance may also address bullying prevention which falls under “Personal Safety and Injury
Prevention”, while serving healthy snacks during meetings addresses “Healthy Eating”.
Some schools may also have an annual or reoccurring event or activity that seemingly has little or no connection to
their priority health topic but still supports a healthy school. While the focus of HS Certification is to comprehensively
implement the 6-step process and celebrate school communities for their work on a priority health topic, additional events
or activities that contribute to overall school and community health are welcome additions that go above and beyond.
These annual or reoccurring events also present potential opportunities to connect to your school’s priority health topic.
For example, a school who has selected Personal Safety and Injury Prevention as their priority health topic and has a Terry
Fox Run each year may look to increase awareness of personal safety during the event. They might do this by having each
teacher talk with students in class before the event, making posters to hang during the event, or bringing in community
partners to discuss first aid with students leading the run.
Ophea Support
Healthy Schools is a team-based approach which is why Ophea is here to help you at every step of your journey.
Recognizing that all schools have unique needs, Ophea works with schools across Ontario to guide them through
the Healthy Schools approach by providing tools to build their capacity to implement this process annually.
To access resources to support healthy schools, please visit: www.ophea.net/HSCertification
Additional questions or support requests can be submitted to: healthyschools@ophea.net at any time during
the school year.
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2015 Physical and Health Education
Canada National Conference sponsored by
In the fall of 2014, Canadian Tire Corporation,
the Government of Ontario and Ophea
committed to getting Ontario kids
more active every day.
To support and celebrate schools who
commit to getting active, we created
the Hero of Play Program.
Getting Canadian children and
Working together with our partners, we created
youth active
for one hour a day.
a Hero of Play toolkit available for Ontario’s
school communities that include sporting
equipment, resources for parents and students,
multimedia, athlete visits and much more.
We have
onevisit
simple
goal:
get kids
more active
Come
us at
ourtobooth,
website
and social media pages to learn more.
We know the benefits of getting
60 minutes of physical activity per day
go far beyond improved health, focus, academic
performance and overall well-being.
A “Hero of Play” is a student who is active every day.
HERO
A “Hero of Play” embodies the Olympic
2015 values
Physical
and Health
Education
of excellence,
friendship
and respect and
Canada National
Conference
sponsored
inspires and empowers others to by
get active
and live a healthy active lifestyle.
OF PLAY
How Can I be a Hero of Play School?
Step 1: Register
Register and select physical activity
as your priority health topic
Step 2: Submit
Submit your Action Plan and receive a Hero
of Play Physical Activity Kit and resources
from the Canadian Olympic School Program
Getting Canadian children and
Step 3: Get Active & Share
youth active for one hour a day.
Share your stories and activities for
opportunities to win prizes and visits
from Olympians
Step 4: Sign Up
Sign up to
be entered
winat
Come
visittous
an Ultimate Play Day (April)
our booth, website
and social media pages to learn more.
Step 5: Celebrate
Canadian Tire hosts Ultimate Play Days
at winning schools (June)
* An Active at School Program
How can my school get certified?
Schools participating in Healthy Schools Certification must complete all of the following stages to apply for a Bronze, Silver,
or Gold level certification:
1. F
amiliarize yourself with the Healthy Schools approach
Before you register for HS Certification, visit Ophea’s Healthy Schools and Communities website to learn more
about Healthy Schools and what’s involved. Still have questions? E-mail: healthyschools@ophea.net
2. Review Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook
Review Ophea’s HS Certification Guidebook thoroughly to ensure that you (and your school team) understand
what steps are required to receive points towards your school’s certification and what reporting is required.
3. Register your school online
Visit www.ophea.net/HSCertification to register your school for HS Certification and set up your school profile
(if you are your school’s designated School Contact). The deadline for registration is Friday, October 9, 2015 at
11:59pm EST. Please note that you will be required to upload a letter of support from your principal or viceprincipal during the registration process. A template is available in the Healthy Schools Support Tools.
4. Familiarize yourself with your school’s online dashboard
After you have successfully registered your school for HS Certification, acquaint yourself with your school’s
dashboard and understand the functionalities of the online system.
5. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1 – 4 and Report
To ensure all participating schools are progressing towards their certification and are following the Healthy
Schools approach in a way that allows enough time to implement the activities in their action plans, the following
process steps must be completed with supporting information submitted through Ophea’s online system by Friday,
February 12, 2016 at 11:59pm EST:
Step 1
Establish Your School Team
Step 2
Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets
Step 3
Identify Your Priority Health Topic
Step 4
Develop an Action Plan (including submission of your action plan)
Note: W
hile schools who do not meet this timeline may still be able to complete the process steps and will continue
to have access to their school profile, they will not be eligible for certification. There are no exceptions.
6. C
omplete Healthy Schools Process Steps 5 – 6 and Report
The following process steps must be completed with supporting information submitted through Ophea’s online
system by Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. Activities that occur after April 29 are valid provided they are
scheduled prior to submitting for certification:
Step 5
Take Action and Monitor Progress
Step 6
Celebrate and Reflect
7. S
ubmit your application for certification
Answer all questions and submit your school’s online application by Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST.
Note: Schools who do not meet this timeline will not be eligible for certification as timelines cannot be
extended. There are no exceptions.
8. Receive your certification results
After review, school certification results and feedback will be communicated during the first two weeks of June 2016.
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Levels of Certification
Certification Overview
Ophea’s HS Certification has been developed using a point-based system aligned with the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process.
There are three levels of certification:
Level
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Total Points
780-900
901-1080
1081-1200
Note: Schools who receive fewer than 780 points will be recognized as a participant but will not receive certification.
The following table lists the maximum number of points that can be earned for each step of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy
Schools Process:
Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process
Total Points Available
Step 1: Establish Your School Team
210 points
Step 2: Assess your School Community Needs and Assets
210 points
Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic
100 points
Step 4: Develop an Action Plan
250 points
Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress
250 points
Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect
180 points
Total 1200 points
Key Dates to Remember
Date
Requirement
Friday, October 9, 2015
Deadline to register for certification and to complete
your school profile.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Deadline to submit your action plan.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Deadline to submit your completed application for
certification review.
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Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process
Purpose
Recognizing that all schools across Ontario have different needs and assets, Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process offers
consistency in the approach school teams take to build their healthy school. Since HS Certification is based on a school’s
ability to follow the process, and not on the type or number of activities, it is adaptable for all of the unique school
communities across Ontario.
Each process step serves a specific purpose in a school community’s journey towards becoming a healthy school. Please
note that the suggested timelines are for schools newer to the Healthy Schools approach. Schools with more experience in
this area may move more quickly through the steps.
Process Step
Purpose
Suggested Timeline
Step 1:
Establish Your School
Team
Creating a healthy school starts with building a strong,
collaborative school team that is representative of your
whole school community. School team members can include:
students, school staff, administration, parents, public health,
and community partners.
September 2015
– October 2015
Note: While the initial school
team is identified in Fall of
Note: Many schools already have existing teams or classes
each year, schools should
with a common purpose aligned with Healthy Schools such as
continue to strengthen/build
a Student Leadership class, a Safe and Accepting Schools Team, their team throughout the year.
or a Positive School Climate Team. We encourage schools to
leverage these teams to avoid duplication.
By the end of Step 1 your school will have established a team
of diverse members of the school community committed to
making your school a healthy school.
Step 2:
Assess Your School
Community Needs
and Assets
It is important to understand your school community before
making any decisions on your priority health topic. By utilizing
local data (from a variety of sources, such as data from your
public health unit, student surveys, etc.) and listing your
school community’s existing assets, your team will be able to
make informed decisions with a clear understanding of your
current needs, strengths, and opportunities.
October 2015
– November 2015
By the end of Step 2 your school team will have located and/
or collected key information relating to your school assets,
needs, and opportunities in order to make informed decisions
throughout the rest of the Healthy Schools process.
Step 3:
Identify Your Priority
Health Topic
Based on the key information collected during Step 2,
your school team must decide on a priority health topic to
focus their action plan.
November 2015
- December 2015
By the end of Step 3, your school team will have jointly
identified the priority health topic that they will be addressing
for the school year.
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Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process (cont.)
Process Step
Purpose
Suggested Timeline
Step 4:
Develop an
Action Plan
To be able to take meaningful steps towards addressing your
priority health topic, it is important that a clear, realistic, and
comprehensive action plan is developed. This plan will ensure
that all team members are accountable, aware of their roles
and responsibilities, and focused on addressing your priority
health topic across the different areas of the Foundations for a
Healthy School resource.
December 2015
– January 2016
An action plan also ensures that you’re addressing the needs
of your school community by utilizing your school’s assets, as
identified in Step 2.
By the end of Step 4, your school team will have developed an
action plan demonstrating how your school will address your
priority health topic in a comprehensive way across the five
areas of the Foundation for a Healthy School resource.
Step 5:
Take Action and
Monitor Progress
To ensure that your school
team is progressing towards
your certification with
enough time to implement
the activities in your action
plan you must complete and
report on Steps 1 – 4 by Friday,
January 29, 2016 including
the online submission of your
completed action plan.
Note: Schools who do not
complete their reporting for
Steps 1 - 4 by this date will not
be eligible for certification.
Implementation of your action plan begins once all of your
January 2016
school team’s planning activities have been completed
– May 2016
(Steps 1 – 4). Your school team will need to monitor your
intended activities to ensure that the activities in your action
plan are implemented and achieve the intended impact in your
school community. However, plans can change and this online
monitoring allows for action plans to be updated and revised as
needed over the course of the school year.
By the end of Step 5, your school team will have implemented,
monitored, and modified (as needed) the activities in your
action plan.
Step 6:
Celebrate
and Reflect
Celebrating the school team’s efforts is an important part of
the Healthy Schools process. Celebration of accomplishments
can boost team morale and shows appreciation for everyone
involved in your work
Individual and group reflection is also important as they
both allow your school team to reflect on their experience
with healthy schools while documenting your successes and
challenges, as well as future opportunities as you plan for
sustainability of this work in your school community.
May 2016
– June 2016
Note: Additional opportunities
for celebration and reflection
should occur throughout the
school year and be included in
your action plan.
While celebration and reflection are often thought of as end of
year culminating events, it’s also important to celebrate and
reflect throughout the Healthy Schools process.
By the end of Step 6 you will have celebrated your school
team’s successes and reflected on the healthy schools activities
implemented throughout the school year.
Key Dates to Remember
Friday, October 9, 2015
Friday, February 12, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Deadline to register for certification
and to complete your school profile.
Deadline to submit your action plan.
Deadline to submit your completed
application for certification review.
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Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process (cont.)
Student Engagement
As you begin HS Certification, you will notice that student engagement is emphasized across all process steps (and is valued
with higher points for certification). The Foundations for a Healthy School resource highlights student engagement as one of
the five areas and defines it as “the extent to which students identify with and value their learning; feel a sense of belonging
at school; and are informed about, engaged with, and empowered to participate in and lead academic and non-academic
activities” (Ministry of Education, Foundations for a Healthy School, p.2, 2014). Students are at the centre of a healthy
school and student engagement is key to achieving results at both the elementary and secondary school levels.
Note: Refer to the Glossary for a description of the different levels of student engagement.
Reporting Requirements
Healthy Schools Support Tools
School reporting requirements to earn points towards
certification vary across each process step. In some
instances, school teams are only required to provide basic
information to earn points while, in other cases, additional
supplementary information may be required to demonstrate
your work (e.g. uploading documents).
Ophea has developed Healthy Schools Support Tools that
may be utilized by schools participating in HS Certification.
These tools have been developed to support schools in
demonstrating their reporting requirements. While schools
participating in HS Certification will not be required to use
all of the support tools available, it is the responsibility
of each school team to ensure that alternative documents
submitted contain comparable information.
In cases where additional information is required, the icon
below will be included to indicate that supplementary
content must be provided (e.g. planning documents,
pictures, communications).
The icon below will be included to indicate where Healthy
Schools Support Tools are available.
The Assets Inventory and the Action Plan must be filled out on Ophea’s online reporting system. Templates for both the
Assets Inventory and the Action Plan are available as HS Support Tools for collaborating with your action team or you
may choose to plan directly through the online system, which will save your progress.
Review Process, Feedback, and Recognition
Ophea will thoroughly review and validate all submissions based on the points criteria prior to confirming certification levels
for all participating schools. A school may receive a different certification level than the one applied for following the review
process if the supplementary information provided was not sufficient in some areas to earn points. Upon audit, a school will
not receive a higher certification level than the one submitted.
Once a school certification level has been audited, schools will receive communication from Ophea confirming their HS
Certification results (i.e. their level). All results are final. All schools receiving certification at any level will receive a
recognition item to be displayed prominently at your school to celebrate your achievements
Deadlines: R
egistration: Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11:59pm EST / Steps 1 – 4: Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11:59pm EST
Steps 5 – 6: Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
14
Step 1: Establish Your School Team
Total Points Available:
210 points
School Contact
Our school has a School Contact
10 points
Administrator
Our school has support for Healthy Schools Certification from our principal and/or vice principal
10 points
Public Health
Our school has contacted our local public health unit for support
Note: Points are not based on whether or not they are able to be part of the team
10 points
Date and method of communication
Team Members
Our school team is comprised of a School Contact and:
• Students
• School Staff
• Principal/Vice Principal
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
30
10
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
points
Number of team members representing each group
Understanding Partners Poster Series
Shared Healthy Schools Understanding
Our school team has watched and discussed the Ophea’s Healthy Schools Introductory Video
10 points
Ophea Healthy Schools Introductory Video
(“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Can Make A Difference”)
(continued on next page)
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
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Step 1: Establish Your School Team (cont.)
Team Logistics
Our school team has met to outline team members’ roles
10 points
Document identifying the roles and responsibilities of team members
Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template
Our school team has a guiding document that outlines our team roles and how we will work together 10 points
Guiding document for school team (e.g. Team Agreement Template)
Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template
Communication
10 points
Our school team has a mechanism for communicating with all team members
Method of Communication
Documentation (e.g. meeting notes, Twitter account tweets)
Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template
Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template
Our school team uses our mechanism to communicate with the whole team on
a regular basis regarding:
• Ideas and Resources
• Successes
• Areas for Improvement
• Administration and Logistics
5
5
5
5
points
points
points
points
Communications Toolkit
Level of Student Engagement at Team Meetings
The engagement level of our students is:
• Informed
• Consulted
• Shared
• Leading
10
20
30
40
points
points
points
points
Note: Refer to the Glossary for a description of the different levels of student engagement.
Documented feedback from student team members (e.g. completed team check-in form)
Healthy Schools Team Check-in Template
Total Points 210 points
Encountering unfamiliar terms?
Please see the glossary on page 27.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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Step 2: Assess Your School Community
Needs and Assets
Total Points Available:
210 points
Identification of Needs
Enter data sources used:
• 1 data source
• 2 data sources
• 3 or more data sources
10 points
20 points
30 points
Name of data source
Needs identified
Type of data used:
• Quantitative data
• Qualitative data
5 points
5 points
Our school team used data collected by:
• Students
• School Staff/Principal/Vice Principal
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
15 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
Our school team used data provided by:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
15 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template
School Survey Template
Data Sources List
(continued on next page)
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
17
Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets (cont.)
Identification of Assets
Name of asset
Foundations for a Healthy School areas addressed by asset:
• Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
• School & Classroom Leadership
• Student Engagement
• Social & Physical Environments
• Home, School & Community Partnerships
• All Healthy School Areas
1 point per asset
(30 maximum
available points)
Link to Health Topic
• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating
• Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
• Growth and Development
• Mental Health
• Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours
• All Health Topics
Description of asset
Identification of Needs and Assets Collectively
Our school community needs and assets were identified using input from:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
30
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template
Healthy Schools Assets Identification Template
Total Points 210 points
Encountering unfamiliar terms?
Please see the glossary on page 27.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
18
Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic
Total Points Available:
100 points
Health Topic Selection
Our school team has identified the priority health topic we will focus on during the school year
10 points
Health Topic:
• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating
• Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
• Growth and Development
• Mental Health
• Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours
Our priority health topic was identified using the information from the
Identification of Assets from Step 2
20 points
Level of Engagement
Our health topic was identified and prioritized in collaboration with:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
30
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Total points 100 points
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
19
Step 4: Develop An Action Plan
Total Points Available:
250 points
Action Plan Activities
Name of Activity
Date of Activity
Description of Activity
Healthy Schools Areas
In our action plan, our health topic is addressed by activities in the following Foundations
for a Healthy School areas:
• Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
• School & Classroom Leadership
• Student Engagement
• Social & Physical Environments
• Home, School & Community Partnerships
10
10
10
10
10
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
30
10
10
10
10
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
Note: Points assigned are based on comprehensiveness of action plan (e.g. activities across
the five Foundations for a Healthy School areas.) Individual activities will not be assessed
as part of certification.
Responsibilities & Timelines
Resources/Materials
Reach
The following participated, collaborated, planned, and/or were impacted by the activities
in our action plan:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
(continued on next page)
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
20
Step 4: Develop An Action Plan (cont.)
Action Plan Activities (cont.)
Setting
The activities in our action plan took place in the:
• Classroom
• School
• Community
10 pts
10 pts
10 pts
Interrelated Health Topics
The activities in our action plan addressed the following topics:
• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating
• Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
• Growth and Development
• Mental Health
• Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours
5
5
5
5
5
5
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
Celebration
How do you plan to celebrate and/or reflect on this activity?
Policies Adressed
Our action plan addresses:
• Provincial Policies, Procedures, and Frameworks
• School Board Protocols and Procedures
• School-Based Strategies
10 points
10 points
10 points
Policies Addressed
Provincial Policies, Procedures and Frameworks List
Audiences
Our action plan activities consider the capacity of our school team
10 pts
Our action plan considers the well-being of adults (e.g. school staff, community partners)
10 pts
Our action plan activities will occur at multiple times during the school year
10 pts
Celebration Planning
Celebration was included in our planning process and is reflected in our action plan
10 pts
Total Points 250 points
Encountering unfamiliar terms?
Please see the glossary on page 27.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
21
Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress
Total Points Available:
250 points
Check-In Meetings
Regular check-in meetings with our school team have occurred to monitor our action plan and
adjust activities as needed
20 pts
Team Meeting Frequency
• Weekly
• Bi-Weekly
• Monthly
• As needed
Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template
Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template
Activity Implementation
While implementing our action plan, activities relating to our health topic occurred in the
following Foundations for a Healthy School areas:
• Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
• School and Classroom Leadership
• Student Engagement
• Social and Physical Environments
• Home, School and Community Partnerships
10
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Note: Points assigned are based on comprehensiveness of action plan (i.e., activities across the
five Foundations for a Healthy School areas). Individual activities will not be assessed as part of
certification.
Upload examples (e.g. photos, lesson plans, teacher training certificate, social media posts)
and write a brief description about each activity
While implementing our action plan, the activities addressed a variety of health topics:
• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating
• Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
• Growth and Development
• Mental Health
• Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours
5
5
5
5
5
5
points
points
points
points
points
points
(continued on next page)
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
22
Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress (cont.)
Communications
Our activities were communicated and shared with our:
• School Team
• School
• School Community
5 points
5 points
5 points
Sample communication (e.g. school newsletter, posting to school website, photo of assembly)
Communications Toolkit
Audiences
Our activities took place in the:
• Classroom
• School
• School Community
5 points
5 points
5 points
Level of Engagement
The implementation of our activities included:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
30
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Monitoring
Activities were monitored and our action plan was reassessed before and after each activity
35 points
Total Points 250 points
Encountering unfamiliar terms?
Please see the glossary on page 27.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
23
Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect
Total Points Available:
250 points
Celebration and Appreciation
Our celebration(s) and recognition showed appreciation for:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents/Guardians
• Public Health
• Community Partners
10
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Examples of appreciation for each audience (e.g. letter, card, appreciation wall,
picture of meeting/event)
Team Member Recognition Letter Template
Student 40-Hour Community Service Letter Template
We celebrated and recognized our achievements:
• Yearly
• Monthly
• Ongoing
10 points
20 points
30 points
We have had (or have planned/scheduled) an end of year culminating event that will reach:
• School Team
• School
• School Community
5 points
5 points
10 points
Evidence of event (e.g. picture)
Note: If the event has not yet taken place at time of reporting, a planning document related
to the event may be submitted (e.g. flyer, event plan).
(continued on next page)
LEGEND
Uploaded Evidence Required
Healthy Schools Support Tool
• Items in bold represent the information
that needs to be reported online.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect (cont.)
Team Reflection
Our school team met to reflect on our Healthy Schools experience
(including successes, challenges, future opportunities)
10 points
Date
Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template
Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template
During our reflection, the following people were/will be included:
• Students
• School Staff
• Parents
• Public Health
• Community Partners
30
10
10
10
10
points
points
points
points
points
Total Points 180 points
Encountering unfamiliar terms?
Please see the glossary on page 27.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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Contact Us
Ophea is here to help!
We all know that it takes a team to build a healthy school and Ophea wants to be a part of yours! Feel free to connect with
us at any time to ask questions or talk through any challenges your school team may be facing.
Ophea works with schools across Ontario to guide them through the Healthy Schools approach by providing tools to build
their capacity to implement this process annually. Ophea offers support services (in English and French) to all schools
participating in Healthy Schools Certification which includes:
• Healthy Schools and Communities Website
Ophea’s Healthy Schools and Communities website offers
a host of information to support schools in their journey
to become a Healthy School including research, videos,
posters, funding announcements and much more!
Website: www.ophea.net/HSCertification
• Healthy Schools Consultations (Email)
Ophea is available to answer questions you
may have as you work towards Healthy Schools
Certification. Feel free to connect by email:
Email: healthyschools@ophea.net
Healthy Schools on Social Media
We’re on social media and we want to hear what you’re doing!
Post on Facebook or Tweet what you’ve been up to or any questions using #HSCertES
@OpheaCanada
OpheaCanada
r
#H SCe
t ES
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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Glossary
6-Step Healthy Schools Process
6 steps that support school communities to take a planned,
comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic
over the course of a school year. These 6 steps include:
Step 1: Establish Your School Team
Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets
Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic
Step 4: Develop An Action Plan
Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress
Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect
Administration
The principal and/or vice principal of a school.
Appreciation
Showing gratitude (e.g. letter, card, picture of meeting/
event) to those involved in Healthy Schools in a school
community (included in Step 6 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy
Schools Process).
Community Partner
Any member of the school community who can contribute to
addressing a priority health topic (e.g. parents, public health,
recreation staff). These partners may vary depending of the
specific school community.
Data Sources List
Sources of information used by school communities to
identify their priority health topic (included in Step 2 of
Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process).
Foundations for a Healthy School Resource
A document released by the Ministry of Education that
explains Healthy Schools and is designed to help contribute
to a learning environment that promotes and supports child
and student well-being in Ontario.
Healthy Schools
A collaborative approach whereby all members of a school
community (including students) come together to share
ideas, plan, and take action on priority health topic(s)
while following a repeatable, step-by-step process to make
sustainable change in their schools, homes and community.
Healthy Schools Action Plan
A planning document used by a school team to plan and
monitor activities taking place in alignment with the five
areas of the Foundations for a Healthy School resource.
Healthy Schools Areas
The five, interconnected components that should
be addressed to support school communities to take a
comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic
that is appropriate for their community. These areas include:
Student Engagement, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning,
Home, School and Community Partnerships, School and
Classroom Leadership, and Social and Physical Environments.
Hero of Play
Canadian Tire Corporation’s Hero of Play program
recognizes healthy schools that select physical activity as
their priority health topic and develop an action plan that
creates opportunities for students to achieve 60 minutes of
physical activity every day.
Ophea
A not-for-profit organization that champions healthy,
active living in schools and communities and is lead by
the vision that all children and youth value and enjoy the
lifelong benefits of healthy, active living. Ophea has been
leading provincial healthy schools initiatives for over 10
years, reaching hundreds of schools, demonstrating the
positive impact of this approach on all members of the
school community.
Priority Health Topic
The specific health focus identified by a school community
(e.g. healthy eating, mental health) to be addressed by
their Healthy Schools activities for the school year.
Note: Referred to as “health-related topic” in Foundations
for a Healthy School resource.
Public Health
The public health system is an extensive collection
of governmental, non-governmental, and community
organizations operating at the local, provincial, and
federal levels with varying roles, perspectives, and linkages.
Schools are supported by a system of 36 local public health
units that collectively cover the entire province and are
individually responsible for serving the population within
their geographic borders. Public health can play a key
role in supporting schools communities as it relates to
Healthy Schools.
Qualitative Data
Source of information that deals with descriptions and
can be observed (but not measured). Examples include:
meetings notes, assets inventory and action plans. This type
of data can be used to support Step 2 of Ophea’s 6-Step
Healthy Schools Process.
Quantitative Data
Source of information that deals with numbers and can be
measured. Examples include: school-level surveys. This type
of data can be used to support Step 2 of Ophea’s 6-Step
Healthy Schools Process.
Reflection
An exercise that allows members of a school action team
to discuss their healthy schools experience (including
successes, challenges, future opportunities). This exercise
is included in Step 6 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools
Process.
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
27
Glossary (cont.)
School Contact
The School Contact is the school staff member who will lead
their school through the Healthy Schools Certification. The
School Contact is the key contact at the school who ensures
that the Ophea HS Certification application is completed
online. This position is decided by the school, not by Ophea.
The School Contact is the main contact for Ophea and must
be an employee of the school.
School Community
All individuals who contribute to the health and well-being
of students. This includes individuals who can influence
students at school, in the surrounding neighbourhood and at
home.
School Staff
Staff who are employed (in a paid position) by the
school, including but not limited to educators, early child
educators, principals, vice-principals, office staff, and
custodial staff. This does not include volunteers.
they would like to do but the decision-making and planning
are done by adults).
Student Engagement (Informed)
An informed level of engagement for students means
that students are aware of what is happening and may
participate in the activities but do not plan, influence,
develop or implement the activities (e.g. letting the
students on the school team know about new initiatives the
school plans on doing).
Student Engagement (Shared)
A shared level of engagement for students means that while
adults may initiate the conversations, students are actively
involved in making decisions, planning and implementing
activities (e.g. an educator brings forward a potential idea
for an event based on the interests of the students and the
students take on key responsibilities such as fundraising,
awareness or recruiting other students).
School Team
A group or committee operating in a school that supports
planning and action as it relates to Healthy Schools.
Members of the team should include individuals who are
within (e.g. students, educators) and outside (e.g. public
health, parents/guardians) the physical school grounds.
Student Engagement (Leading)
A leading level of engagement means that students
generate ideas and decide how activities are carried out.
Adults are available for support and trust in the leadership
of students (e.g. a student or group of students bring
forward an idea for an event and plan and host the event
with minimal support from adults).
Student Engagement (Consulted)
A consulted level of engagement for students means that
students are asked for input on all activities and adults
respect their views, but adults decide on the activities
and lead the planning, implementation and follow-up (e.g.
students on the school team are polled on what activities
Student Well-Being
Refers to students developing enhanced mental and physical
health, a positive sense of self and belonging, and the
skills to make positive choices.
(Definition adapted from:
Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in
Ontario - Ministry of Education)
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
28
Healthy Schools Support Tools
The following are some of the tools/templates available to support school communities in following the 6-Step Healthy
Schools Process. The tools are available to registered schools only and can be found on the main dashboard of the school’s
online profile.
• Healthy Schools Administrator Letter Template
• Ophea Healthy Schools Introductory Video
(“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You
Can Make A Difference”)
• Understanding Partners Poster Series
• Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template
• Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template
• Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template
• Healthy Schools Team Check-in Template
• Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template
• Healthy Schools Assets Identification Template
• Healthy Schools Action Plan Template
• Communications Toolkit
• Team Member Recognition Letter Template
• Student 40 Hour Community Service Letter Template
• Provincial Policies, Procedures, and Frameworks List
• Data Sources List
• School Survey Template
Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016
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