Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools
UPDate May 2016
New Raffi Song
Singer-songwriter Raffi recently released a new song that can help children and adults deal in a very simple way with the stresses and anxieties of everyday life. “Take A Breath (The Self-Reg Song)” is both tuneful and calming, and provides simple ways, such as breathing slowly in and out, to feel better when feelings are beginning to overwhelm.
Can Mindfulness Help Students Cope with Failure?
A new study suggests that students will be better equipped to bounce back from academic challenges if they possess the skill of mindfulness—the non-judgmental, moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Which Feels Better, Forgiveness or Revenge?
A Snapshot of BC Youth's Mental Health
Curriculum Linked Conversations on Substance Use
Researchers say one of the best ways to help kids navigate the terrain of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is to engage them in honest, open conversations. Encouraging kids to explore, discuss and question their own ideas about drugs can go a long way toward helping them develop important life skills. Click here to read more.
Does School Climate = School Achievment?
A recent study found that positive school climate has a direct link to decreases in teacher turnover and increases in student performance. The lead author of the study, states, “Moving the needle on student achievement at scale is a very difficult thing to do. What we’ve shown is a potential avenue where that sustained investment in school climate is likely to pay off.”
Thinking Healthy Thoughts
Thinking Healthy Thoughts can help children to learn how to think about common stressful situations in a more healthy and balanced way. Parents or educators can work through the activity with the child and encourage them to identify more helpful ways of thinking about stressful situations in the their lives.
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia was created in 2004 with the purpose of drawing the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the discrimination experienced by GLBTQ/GLBTTIQQ people internationally. If you would like to bring awareness to this day resources can be found at the Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools website.
*The acronym GLBTQ/GLBTTIQQ are umbrella terms inclusive of (but not limited to) people who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-spirit, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning.
Active and Safe Routes to School Expression of Interest
The CRD has launched the Active & Safe Routes to School Project which offers a coordinated and strategic approach to increasing the use of cycling, walking, rolling and public transit among children, youth and their families. Up to 30 public schools in the region will be selected for the project beginning September 2016. Contact Sarah Webb at 250-360-3240 for a copy of the Expression of Interest due by May 13.
Actively Engaging Women and Girls: Addressing the Psycho-Social Factors
This resource was designed to increase opportunities for women and girls as participants and leaders in the Canadian sport and physical activity system. It will support and guide those working with women and girls, so they engage in, and maintain healthy and active lifestyles. Actively Engaging Women and Girls
Encourage Girls to get Physically Active!
Families Get Fit and Healthy Together
Mind, Exercise, Nutrition ... Do it! (MEND) is a fun free program for families with children ages 7-13 who want to become healthier and more active together. Learn More
Free Tennis Lessons
Society for Kids at Tennis (KATS) is offering free tennis lessons for financially disadvantaged kids. Check here for the spring and summer program schedule.
Planting a Promise
Planting a Promise was created to enable teachers and their students- especially those already enrolled in the Spuds in Tubs Program-to extend their gardening experience into the fall and to help students explore plants and what they need to grow. Planting a Promise involves a series of activities that take place over several months, starting from September and ending in June.
Local Environmental Knowledge
Growing Minds Farm to School
This useful website offers spring ready garden guides as well as age appropriate modules for classroom learning.
Funding Opportunities
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Fund Due July 15
Coast Capital Community Investment Grants for Youth Due Aug 25
Breakfast Club of Canada Ongoing
McCreary Youth Action Grant Ongoing
Good Sports Equipment Grant Ongoing
KidSport BC Program Ongoing
RBC Children's Mental Health Project Fund Ongoing
RBC Learn to Play Project Grant Ongoing
Parasport Jumpstart Fund Ongoing
For more grant opportunities visit the Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools website
Creating Habits of Happiness: For Educators
This 4 week workshop is intended to learn habits that will train your brain for greater levels of positivity. You will also gain practical tools for your classroom in: Mindfulness Gratitude Kindness and so much more! For more information or to register contact info@lisabaylis.com
Thursday, May 19, 2016, 07:00 PM
Burnside Gorge Community Centre, Cecelia Road, Burnside, Victoria, BC, Canada
Promoting Mental Health and Fostering Resilience of our Children and Youth
On May 27, 2015, over 300 people came together for the first Capital Regional District Healthy Schools Forum! This year’s event represents our continued efforts to foster greater sharing and collaboration, and to enhance the uptake of evidence-aligned, school-centred approaches to promote and support the mental health and resilience of children and youth in our region.
For the registration information package visit the Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools
website.
Friday, May 27, 2016, 08:00 AM
University of Victoria, Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, Canada
Promoting Health and Sustainability: The Case of Climate Change and Energy Use - 2016 Public Health Summer School
Public Health Association BC Summer School brings together individuals involved in the delivery of public health activities to examine the application of the Ottawa Charter as related to climate change issues and the implications for health and health equity actions at the individual, health care system and community level.
Stakeholders from a variety of fields and backgrounds who are working directly or indirectly on public health issues and health promoting activities across our province are invited to participate. Online registration begins May 1st.
Monday, Jul 11, 2016, 09:00 AM
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Mental Wellness in BC Schools Summer Institute
Save the date for the upcoming Summer Institute. The 7th Annual Summer Institute is a two-day event that will bring together school professionals, parents, youth and school community partners from across BC to exchange knowledge and ideas about improving mental wellness in school communities. Click here to learn more.
Thursday, Aug 25, 2016, 08:00 AM
The University of British Columbia
Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools
This Update is intended for information purposes. Inclusion in the Update does not necessarily imply endorsement or recommendation by the District or the Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools Program. It is the readers’ responsibility to determine the suitability of the resource for their specific purposes.
Marnice Jones
Greater Victoria School District
Coordinator Healthy, Safe and Caring Schools
Student Services
Email: mjones@sd61.bc.ca
Website: https://healthyschools.sd61.bc.ca/
Phone: 250-475-4223
Twitter: @4Rcommunity