The Best of the Best A Sharing of Peace Country Health’s Best Practices in Comprehensive School Health

Spans square kilometres Serves over people Includes 10 School Divisions (Public, Catholic and Private)

Previous School Health Projects Public Health Agency of Canada funded: –Living Healthier in Grande Prairie and Area 3 school districts in Grande Prairie and area –Project Link for Health Holy Family Catholic School Division

Learning and Outcomes Need for “champions” Target group involvement is critical Many factors needed for long term success: education, awareness, healthier environments, policy development

Current Activities: Living Healthier in Grande Prairie and Area: –Annual meetings with school and community representatives and PCH staff PCH Departments: –Nutrition –Health Promotion –Dental –Public Health School Team –Santé en Français –Population Health Awareness Team

Current Activities: Project LINK for Health Holy Family Catholic Regional Division #37 Continues with part time staff (including a dietitian) and lead teachers Project LINK includes: –Health Information –Fun Activities –Healthy School Environments Including the Division nutrition policy

Current Activities: Other Nutrition Policies Grande Prairie Public School District Grande Prairie Catholic School Division

Current Activities: Healthy Buddies© A British Columbia developed peer education program for elementary school students Focus on Healthy Eating, Active Living and Positive Body Image Implementation in 2 phases: –2008/2009 School Year –2009/2010 School Year

Current Activities: Grande Prairie School’s Snack Program Mission: –To relieve child hunger, to improve behaviour & academic performance, to provide nutrition education and to influence healthy lifestyle choices by providing a healthy snack. Included Families Eating Wisely: –3 part parent education program at schools where a snack program is currently in place –Dietitian offered education, grocery tours and hands on easy/healthy meals cooking class to groups of parents

Upcoming Activities Pedometer Resource Booklets will be available for schools and recreation facilities Grande Prairie is hosting the 2008 HPEC Conference on May 1 – 3