Educators
We are here to help your school board and staff create a healthy school environment.
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Activity
- Mental Health
- Growth and Development
- Substance Misuse
- Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
COVID-19
Questions About Schools Re-opening
Visit the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19: reopening schools webpage or contact the Ministry of Education or your local school board for any questions related to schools reopening.
For more information about the services we have to offer, please email schools@porcupinehu.on.ca. For specific information related to safe school environments during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our page: COVID-19 & Schools.
Communicable / Infectious Diseases
Reminder to all principals: Cases of specific communicable/infectious diseases must be reported to the Health Unit according to the Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990, c. H.7, s. 28, as amended 2011. All absenteeism rates of 20% or more should be reported to the health unit.
All animal bites or other animal contact must be reported to the health unit under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Reg. 557.
What's New
- The Mindful Bottle Toolkit was developed to help teachers address issues of stress and anxiety in their students and promote positive well-being in the classroom.
- Tools for Teachers is a resource developed to create a change in the social environment in which our children/students live.
Rowan's Law Day Toolkit
OPHEA has developed a toolkit to help schools and classrooms recognize Rowan’s Law Day and encourage students to speak up about concussions.
The toolkit contains sample tools to support recognition of Rowan’s Law Day at your school and to spark conversation among students, staff, and the school community about concussion awareness. Select the tools that suit your school and students best or to use the toolkit as a guide to inspire your own ideas.
The toolkit includes:
- Information about Rowan Stringer and Rowan’s Law Day
- A list of concussion awareness activities for schools
- Printable posters
- Ready-to-go social media posts for Facebook and Twitter
- Links to additional concussion resources
Download Rowan’s Law Day Toolkit for Schools
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Youth Wellness Initiatives
In this section, you will find information related to Youth Wellness Initiatives.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
Starting Kindergarten is a busy time! In this document, you will find information about how to prepare your child for their first day, what to expect, and some other health behaviour tips to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Active Travel to School
In this section, you will find information related to active travel.
Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program
Getting families to eat more vegetables and fruit is one way to have them live better and healthier lives. The Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program introduces elementary school children to vegetables and fruit two days a week from January to June. The Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association provides a variety of produce to complement healthy eating lesson plans and resources to 10,000 students across our area.
Physical Education Support Resource
A return to Physical and Health Education (PHE) with enhanced safety considerations is critical for students as PHE provides learning opportunities that cultivate well-being which in turn leads to improved social and emotional competencies. This resource will provide you with need-to-know information to provide your students with PHE.
Communicable Diseases and Immunization Manual
The purpose of this guide is to provide simple guidelines for reporting and exclusion of infectious diseases, head lice, immunization requirements and environmental cleaning. This information includes signs & symptoms, transmission, contagious period, what needs to be done along with exclusion and reporting guidelines for common childhood communicable diseases.
Mindful Bottle Toolkit
In the Cochrane District, all school boards have identified anxiety as a top priority of concern (Source: Board scans and student surveys, 2012-2013). Comprehensive strategies are being developed and promotion and prevention programs are being introduced to schools. The Mindful Bottle Toolkit was developed to support initiatives that are planned or underway in district school boards.
Infection Control Lesson Plans (JK-Grade 2)
These lesson plans will help children learn about germs, how to properly wash their hands and understand the importance of hand hygiene. Supplemental activities are included and can be utilized to further develop their knowledge of germs. Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes
What School Staff Need to Know About Vaping and E-Cigarettes
There is a good chance that your students have been or will be exposed to vaping or e-cigarette products. As an adult, you play a key role in helping them make good decisions. This resource will give you need-to-know information about vaping so that you are better prepared to talk with your students.