What the Health Unit is Doing | What Parents Can Do
|
Encourage your teen to get involved and become a leader in the school. The youth in our schools have shown us the best ways to meet their needs. We will continue to consult with them at every possible opportunity! |
 |
A “Health Promoting School” is a place where all members of the school community work together to provide students with integrated, positive experiences and structures that promote health. |
A Snapshot of What's Happening in our Community:
The TBHDU has four full-time Public Health Nurses who work in schools to improve school health by:
-
Reaching the entire school community, which includes students, teachers, administration, staff, parents and community partners;
-
Providing programs that promote health for the whole school;
-
Supporting youth to be leaders and decision makers in the initiatives they promote.
Success Stories:
Many of our school programs involve peer leadership. Research tells us that youth leading youth is a great way to ensure successful programs. Some examples of our peer led programs include:
-
The
NicoTEEN Prevention Workshop has been running for three years. The program uses trained youth to teach the dangers of tobacco use through a workshop planned and organized by the youth themselves. Grades 6 to 8 students in participating schools are trained in tobacco prevention. These students then become peer leaders in and help Health Unit staff organize a shorter workshop at their own schools. They teach what they’ve learned to all Grade 4 to 8 students. Stations such as Pig’s Lungs, Spit Tobacco information and games, such as the “Wheel of Misfortune” keep the learning fun. Learn more about
Tobacco Programs and the facts about youth and tobacco use.
-
The
Exercise in Disguise Program is an in-class training session for teachers on being active right in the classroom. It also uses peer leaders to get kids involved. About 50 schools have been trained. That makes over 400 classrooms! Find out more about the Health Unit's
Physical Activity Programs for children and youth.
What The Health Unit Is Doing:
We act as the link between schools & the Health Unit: The HPS team works very closely with other TBDHU programs. The HPS nurses are considered to be direct links between the schools and the Health Unit. This link ensures that the voice of the students and the schools are heard at the most essential times, especially during the planning of youth programs.
We work with schools: Every year, the HPS team meets with principals to discuss each school’s needs, and together find programming that fits these needs. Meeting with principals, staff and school councils has helped us to develop a strong, trusting relationship with the schools. Schools are now offering more to their students to promote healthy behaviour. We are pleased that students and schools view the Health Unit as a place that offers fun youth programming.
We let youth make decisions: The HPS program is a success because it encourages youth to help make decisions that affect their schools. We ask youth for their input into our plans. The Health Unit hosts group discussions, focus groups and asks youth to take part in planning committees.
Back to Top
Find out if your child’s school is a Health Promoting School! Encourage your teen to be involved in his/her school community.
Learn more about the Health Promoting Schools Program: http://www.tbdhu.com/HC/Schools/
Back to Top