News
Bell Let’s Talk Day
January 26th, 2022 marks the 12th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, a national campaign promoting awareness and action for mental health. Introduce your classroom to Bell Let’s Talk’s five tips for ending stigma around mental health and starting a conversation. Or tune in to their new podcast series on the impacts of racism on mental health. Find out more.
Shaping the Future Conference
The 2022 Shaping the Future Conference has been scheduled for January 27-29th, 2022. Shaping the Future is an annual conference that brings together educators, health and wellness professionals, and researchers to explore comprehensive school health through a variety of interactive learning formats. This year, virtual sessions will be offered for those who wish to join from diverse locations, as well as in-person sessions for those who are able to attend the conference that will be hosted in Lake Louise, Alberta. Find out more.
Articles
Impact of Greenspace
Researchers from the University of British Columbia investigated how exposure to greenspace effects early childhood development and overall wellbeing. Their research suggests that efforts to increase greenspace in our neighbourhoods and school communities can be beneficial to childhood health and development, potentially due to decreases in traffic-related exposures such as air pollution. Find out more
Stories
Connecting to Gitxsan Food and Traditions
Gitanyow Independent School used a Healthy Schools BC First Nations School Grant to offer students a hands-on opportunity to learn about Gitxsan food and traditions. Students connected with community elders and members to participate in a variety of activities that helped them learn more about Indigenous ways of wellness. Find out more.
Resources
Farm to School BC Winter Activities
Are you looking for food-related activities to do with your K-12 class this winter? Check out Farm to School BC’s new collection of curriculum-based food activities to do in the garden, classroom, kitchen or on the land. The activities were selected for November to March, but this might vary depending on where you live. Find out more.
Neurodiversity-Inclusive Social Emotional Learning Strategies
Neurodivergent minds tend to think, learn and process information differently than neurotypical ones. Heart-Mind Online created a new resource with strategies and practices to teach neurodiversity-inclusive social emotional learning (SEL). These tips address common challenges posed by neurodiversity and build on opportunities and strengths. While they’re especially accessible for neurodivergent children, they are also excellent tools for nurturing SEL in neurotypical children. Find out more.
Announcements
Kids Have Stress Too
Strong Minds Strong Kids Psychology Canada partnered with RBC to offer free training to 300 B.C. educators working with Indigenous populations. The training equips educators to deliver Kids Have Stress Too, an evidence-based program that helps students learn stress management skills and build emotional resiliency. The training equips educators with the tools and knowledge they need to help their students manage stress. Find out more on their website or sign-up here.
New National Youth Council Seeking Members
Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada is accepting applications for their new Youth Council. High school students between the ages of 15 and 19 are encouraged to apply to help shape the future of physical and health education in Canada. Why join? Council members will meet other young people from across the country, build leadership skills, receive gift cards in appreciation for their time, participate in creating meaningful change, and more. The deadline to apply is January 14th, 2022. Find out more.
