Minister Margarett Best joins Ophea to support Healthy Schools and
Communities

Ophea launches province wide initiative to support Health and Physical Education

TORONTO, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Today Ophea launches their new Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Curriculum Resources: Grades 1-8. These will provide critical support to educators across the province currently implementing the Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: H&PE, Interim Edition, 2010 (revised). The launch celebration will include an opening address from Minister Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion and Sport, on behalf of the Government of Ontario as well as remarks from leaders representing education, public health, sport and recreation sectors and parent groups. Join us at 9:30am at the Westin Harbour Castle, Metro West room as Ophea unveils an unparalleled and essential support resource.  

The H&PE Curriculum has the potential to enhance health and learning outcomes for 2.1 million children and youth that attend Ontario's publicly funded schools. Guiding students on a healthy path now will assist them in improving their health throughout life, lessening the burden on our healthcare and social service systems.

"The H&PE Curriculum is one of the most significant health promotion interventions this province has ever seen. But a policy can't do it alone." says Dr. James Mandigo, Ophea Board President. "The new Ophea H&PE Resources provide educators the support they need to bring the curriculum to life and ensure an entire generation will get a healthy start and realize their full potential."

Ophea led a unique development process whereby contributions from over 100 provincial and community stakeholders including leaders and experts from the education, public health and recreation and sport sectors, government, NGOs and parent groups were integral to shaping a comprehensive set of resources.  This process reflects the intent of the H&PE Curriculum and in turn Ophea's H&PE Resources which both encourage incorporating H&PE as a fundamental part of an overall healthy school and community.  In a healthy school and community all stakeholders — educators, students, families and community members share responsibility to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to school health and healthy living.

With over 1,000 lesson plans, the new Ophea H&PE Resources (English and French) are a high quality hands-on support that meets the diverse needs and interests of Ontario students. The new resources are available online through a password protected site to educators in partnering school boards. 

Though Ophea's new H&PE Resources are a significant leap forward they are only a first step.  Ophea is ideally positioned to lead and support initiatives that will continue to allow the H&PE Curriculum policy to make a positive impact on schools and communities.  Ophea continues to advocate for and secure further government support and sector collaboration in order to sustain provincial and community capacity.    

The launch kicks off a day of networking and discussion with Ontario leaders from education, public health, government and NGO, to consider the future needs and supports required to successfully implement the curriculum policy.

Ophea is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting schools and communities through quality program supports, partnerships and advocacy. Ophea is led by the vision that all kids will value, participate in, and make a lifelong commitment to healthy active living. To learn more about Ophea and the H&PE Resources visit Ophea's website www.ophea.net

For further information:

Ruth Kates
Communications Leader, Ophea
[email protected] 416-426-7020