- Sexual Health
- Healthy Growth & Development
- Oral Health
- Visual Health
- Active Living & Physical Literacy
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Healthy Eating
- Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours
- Mental Health Literacy
Sexual Health
Importance of teaching sexual health education
Along with Sexual health education being a key component of the Ontario Health & Physical Education Curriculum Expectations 2019, research shows that:
“Youth in Canada want comprehensive sexual health education that is inclusive, relevant, evidence-based, and incorporates a balanced approach that includes the positive aspects of sexuality and the prevention of sexual health problems” (SIECCAN. (2019). Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education. Toronto, ON: Sex Information & Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN))
Getting ready to teach Sexual Health Education
Visit the links below to explore important considerations and enhance your understanding of concepts related to sexual health.
Websites and Programs to Support Educators
Youth Engagement
Additional Supports
- Sexual Health – Lambton Public Health
- Sexual Health Clinic – Lambton Public Health
- Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Health – Parent Resource
- SexandU
- Sexual Health Ontario
- STI’s
- Dispensary – Condoms, Birth Control, & More
- Healthy Relationships
- Lambton Public Health: Positive Space Policy
Healthy Growth & Development
Oral Health
Our dental screening program screens school children in JK, SK, Grade 2 and Grade 7 for oral health concerns. When we identify a child who has dental care needs, we will provide information and resources to parents and guardians to support early treatment and care. This screening is not intended to replace routine visits to a dental health professional.
Additional Resources:
Visual Health
Lambton Public Health will support schools, caregivers, and parents in accessing visual health services. Annual visits to the optometrist are covered by OHIP for children 19 years old and younger. Call 519-383-8331 to learn more about how you can support your students and families in accessing available funding for glasses.
Additional Resources:
Active Living & Physical Literacy
Active Transportation
Being active on the way to school helps prepare students for learning by improving cognitive development and brain health, as well as memory and attention in the classroom. It can also help build social connections and independence. Local organizations, such as nuSarnia Foundation and the Lakeshore Eco-Network (Lambton Shores) work to promote active transportation in our communities. Lesson plans are available on the Curriculum Resources page.
For support increasing active transportation at your school, please contact the School Health Coordinator at healthyschools@county-lambton.on.ca.
Physical Literacy
To be physically literate, children need to learn fundamental movement skills (the building blocks of activity), as part of their healthy growth and development. To learn more about fundamental movement skills and how they can be incorporated into educational settings, see the Active for Life and Kiddo Physical Literacy websites.
Student Engagement
Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (PALS Program)
The PALS program is a student leadership program that encourages older students (e.g grades 4-6) to lead younger students (e.g. grades 1-3) in game activities over recess periods. Program benefits include increased leadership skills for student leaders, increased physical activity and physical literacy levels, increased inclusion and sense of belonging, reduced bullying and improved school climate.
See the Additional Resources section below for PALS documents (approved for use only within Ontario). Additional planning tools and templates are available from Peel Public Health.
To book facilitator training, or to seek support in offering PALS at your school, please contact the School Health Coordinator at healthyschools@county-lambton.on.ca.
We are always interested to know where the PALS program is active in our community, so let us know if you are practicing PALS at your school!
Additional Resources
- Schooltravel.ca
- Kiddo Physical Literacy
- Active for Life
- PALS Facilitator Handbook (English and French)
- PALS Student Leader Handbook (English and French)
- PALS Games Book (English and French)
Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control
Guide to Common Childhood Infections
Lists common childhood illnesses, IPAC measures and exclusion criteria.
School Absenteeism Reporting Form and Diseases of Public Health Significance Reportable to Public Health
Aids in the tracking of absenteeism rates to help identify and manage outbreaks
Diseases of Public Health Significance
Outlines diseases that are reportable to the Local Public Health Unit.
Environmental Health & Safety
Healthy Eating
Teaching Food & Nutrition – Supporting positive relationships with food
Healthy eating means different things to different people. It’s about nourishing our body, mind and spirit. Learn how well-intentioned adults sometimes paint a black and white picture of nutrition that isn’t accurate.
View these recorded presentations & resources to learn how to support students in developing a positive relationship with food and their bodies.
Presentations:
- Teaching Food and Nutrition in the Classroom – Elementary
- Body Image in the Classroom – Elementary
Resources:
- Teaching Food and Nutrition in the Classroom – Elementary
- Body Image in the Classroom – Elementary
Body Image and Eating Disorders – Supporting Students
Youth & Community Engagement Opportunity
Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours
Substance Use
- English: Blueprint for Action Resource Hub | PHE Canada
- French: Centre de ressources du Plan d’action | EPS Canada
Vaping & E-Cigarettes
Nicotine Products
Cannabis
Opioids
Mental Health Literacy
Minds Connected
Minds Connected for Schools is an online resource focused on improving access to mental health supports and services here in Lambton County.
School Mental Health Ontario
School Mental Health Ontario offers a sequenced guide including a variety of lessons and activities organized by grade. Wayfinder Overview.
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