EVEREVERACTIVEACTIVE!

NEWS AND UPDATES REGARDING HEALTHY SCHOOL COMMUNITIES IN ALBERTA Extra…Extra! Active Kids are Fit to Learn! The 2009 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth provides current information from research across Canada focusing on those settings and indicators that impact the activity levels of children and youth.

Currently, Canadian children and youth have physically active. Evidence has shown improvements received a grade of ‘F’ for physical activity in cognitive or behaviour functions. Physical levels. However, the proportion of children and activity enhances memory and learning, promotes youth meeting the guidelines has increased from the generation of new nerve cells in the brain and 9% to 13%. This still means that a whopping protects the nervous system from inquiry and disease. 87% are not meeting the guidelines of 90 In addition, there is a possible link of improvements minutes of physical activity per day! in self-esteem, classroom behaviour and/or attention The report card debunks the idea that reducing span. time from physical education and physical To read more about the Report Card go to: activity to make time for academics results in a rise in achievement. On the contrary, www.activehealthykids.ca/ReportCard/ academic achievement of students may increase 2009ReportCardOverview.aspx by providing students more opportunities to be

Upcoming Events inside this issue… January • The EAS Happily Ever Active Calendar Contest begins!!! VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 1 • JANUARY 2010 February • Heart Month » www.heartandstroke.ab.ca February 4-7 • Alberta Winter Games » www.awg2010.ca 2&3 » Health Promoting Schools February 10 • Alberta Winter Walk Day » www.shapeab.com/EventCalendar.asp Update February 12-28 • Vancouver Winter Olympics » www.vancouver2010.com 4 » Community Activities Feb/March • Alberta Teachers Association Upcoming Teachers Conventions » www.teachers 6 » Healthy Eating Centre ab.ca/PROFESSIONAL%20DEVELOPMENT/TEACHERS%20CONVENTIONS/Pages 7 » Mental Wellbeing Centre About%20Teachers%20Conventions.aspx 12&13 » HPEC March • Nutrition Month » www.dietitians.ca March 15 16 » EAS Profi led Success Story • Deadline for art entries into the EAS Calendar contest. March 12 -21 • Paralympic Olympic Games » www.gov.bc.ca/themes/2010olympics Ever Active Schools is the number one source for physical activity, physical education, and health and wellness program in-servicing in the province! For a complete listing of all the workshops offered, Have an idea for how Ever Active Schools can further support the creation of healthy active school communities? visit www.everactive.org or call 780-454-4745. We always welcome feedback as to what is working and how we can improve. The Ever Active Schools Program facilitates the development of healthy children Call (780) 454-4745 or email one of our staff with your suggestions. and youth by fostering social and physical environments that support healthy, active school communities. EAS is a project of the Health and Physical Education Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and is funded by Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT (ASRPWF), Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Education. The Health and Physical Education Council acknowledges the generous contribution of

3rd Floor, Percy Page Centre • 11759 Groat Road • Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3K6 • TEL 780.454.4745 • FAX 780.453.1756 • www.everactive.org Health Promoting Schools Update

Notes from Director’s Desk Battle River By the time you read these words, Ever on a mission. They “caught health” and Project (BRP) Active Schools will have hosted its fi rst ever were determined to inspire their students to Health Promoting Schools conference. We do the same. You play a large role in the Update chose a bit of an ambitious name – Shaping lives of your students – might as well make the Future, but are confi dent that when it a positive one! How will you inspire – As the New Year unfolds there are many great school communities choose to promote YOUR STUDENTS? things happening in the Battle River Project. I health that is EXACTLY what they do – have had the wonderful opportunity to meet EMPOWER – Your School. Now that you with many of the administrators and champions shape the future! Together, we can change AND your students are on board it’s time to behaviour and attitudes today that will to discuss some of the initiatives currently shake up the whole community! Margaret within their schools; as well as, the changes impact generations to come – lofty goals Mead said, “A small group of thoughtful indeed! for the New Year. Some of those positive people could change the world. Indeed, it’s initiatives have been: Since it’s still January, let’s take a look at the only thing that ever has.” Work together the concept of shaping the future in the light to change your school community into a • Character Development Programs of New Year’s resolutions... Do you have place that values health and seeks to make a • Challenge Days any? Lose a pound or two, stop annoying difference. Is there time in this New Year to • Aligning food offered at school with the your mother-in-law, hit the gym, spend empower – YOUR SCHOOL? Nutrition Guidelines more time with the family, attend more Consider making healthy schools your New EAS workshops – all worthy goals indeed! • Grub Tubs (tubs where students can deposit Year’s resolution and begin Shaping the food they do not want for others to access) How about your school community, any Future of our children. Remember, Ghandi resolutions there? What if your personal said, “It is health that is real wealth and not • Offering non-traditional activities to be health resolutions could actually impact your pieces of gold and silver.” and, an unknown physically active school community? Let me explain... grade 4 student once said, “You can’t do • Teaching games and DPA activities I was able to attend the OPHEA Conference math if your dead – health is important!” In the last update, I shared some of the ideas in October 2009 and heard a phenomenal DOUG GLEDDIE from the Administrative Procedure. Since talk by Pinball Clemons. Be sure to ask that time, the procedure has been continually Shannon, our Project Coordinator, how reworked based on the feedback from many she enjoyed his keynote! Although he of the stakeholders. It is based on the idea covered a number of elements as he spoke, Educational that the Health Promoting Schools Approach he kept coming back to this: RENEW – recognizes that health and quality learning are You, INSPIRE – Team, and EMPOWER Opportunities interdependent. The approach addresses health – Community. The basic concept is to start in every aspect of the school environment. with self-renewal and spread outwards from there. We have since adapted (stolen) this Ever Active Schools workshops are tailored Those areas are: Mental Well-being, Physical progression and used it as a framework to for school, district or convention needs (e.g., Activity and Healthy Eating. examine mental health as part of a healthy grade level, intended audience, awareness of Mentally well individuals have the knowledge, school community. Again, let me explain! program of studies). Access these learning skills, attitudes and opportunities necessary RENEW – You. Ever been on a plane? In opportunities for professional development to realize their abilities, to cope with the normal the unlikely event of a loss of cabin pressure, days, conferences, staff meetings or school stresses of life, to work productively, and to a little yellow mask will drop down and council meetings.Costs are $250 for 90 contribute to their communities. provide oxygen... If you are travelling minutes, $350 for a half day, or $600 for the Physically active individuals have the with dependents, who do you put the mask full day plus GST and applicable travel and knowledge, skills, attitudes and opportunities on fi rst? You’re right – you! Simply put, accommodation expenses from Edmonton necessary to lead active lifestyles. you can’t help others if you don’t help or Calgary. Member schools receive a 25% yourself. Take care of your health; mentally, Individuals committed to healthy eating discount, Associate schools receive a 10% physically, intellectually, socially, and have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and emotionally. What will you do this year to discount, upon booking a workshop. Learning opportunities necessary to make appropriate renew – YOU? opportunities can also be designed to meet food and beverage choices. individual needs. Call 780-454-4745 or email INSPIRE – Your Students. Some of the If you would like more information about the [email protected] to request a workshop most vibrant and defi nite change I have seen Battle River Project please contact the Project in school communities began with a teacher today. Coordinator, Shannon Horricks: shorricks@ brsd.ab.ca 2 HASS Update HASS Inspired Action: Ever Active Schools would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone At Ecole Boreal in Fort McMurray, the grade 7 and who participated in the nine Healthy Active School Symposia (HASS) this fall. 8 students are leading Daily Physical Activities to As well, special thanks goes to our Alberta Health Services partners across the younger students every Monday and Thursday. the province for assisting us with the organization and presentation of each We also have a cooking class where students event. make only healthy recipes. They sell what they The focus of HASS 2009 was, “Walking the Talk”. The adults shared what is make, so they can fundraise for their school trip currently happening in their District/Board/Division, Community, School and to Quebec. Thank you again for all the ideas you Home to create a healthy, active school community. This allowed for rich gave to us! NADINE GURTNER dialogue among participants and a whole lot of sharing and exchanging of Fort McMurray Composite High School…“groups good ideas. Individuals were encouraged to implement one change in one at our school can now only sell healthy snacks of the above areas and then watch the ripple affect! like fruit cups and smoothies for ‘fundraising Students were encouraged to be “Agents of Change” and engaged in active sales’ instead of sweet treats like brownies and leadership and team building opportunities. They met children from other cookies…” DANA SCHATTLE, PHYSICAL EDUCATION schools as well as developed a closer bond with individuals from TEACHER their own school. Students also identifi ed areas of strength in their “We all really enjoyed the HASS day, the students school and areas that they wanted to improve. The categories they were pumped to get things going! So far we looked at were: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Mental Well- have had 2 student meetings and are attending Being and Student Leadership. a Parent council meeting to talk about the HASS After lunch adults and students put their new discovered ideas and the kinds of things the students would like together to start an action plan for their school. Students and staff to implement. Thanks for your support at EVER were energized and optimistic that they could make a difference ACTIVE!” LYNN BONNAH, ECOLE BELLEVUE, BEAUMONT in their school community and had a number of initiatives in mind that they wanted to try. The day concluded with two 30-minute Reminder to all schools in Lethbridge and the activity sessions and a brief wrap up. surrounding area: The Lethbridge HASS will take All in all very worthwhile days! Across the province 113 schools attended bringing 304 adults and 408 place at the Victory Church just East of Lethbridge students. Just imagine the ripple affect of 712 people embracing one small change that will move them on Tuesday February 9th. towards a healthier, active lifestyle! I get goose bumps just thinking about it! To register for this empowering event go to: www.everactive.org/registration-hass We look forward to seeing you there! What’s Happening!

TEACHER’S CONVENTIONS HPEC Conference 2010 EAS is coming to a Teacher’s Convention near you! Look for us at the following conventions: The Health and Physical Education Council will CATCA – CENTRAL ALBERTA » February 5 SWATCA – SOUTH WEST ALBERTA– February 18 be hosting their annual conference this year - Interactive Health 2.0 - Mental Wellness: Part of Your Healthy School in Red Deer, April 29th – May 1st. For more information, please visit: http://hpec.teachers. - Mental Wellness: Part of Your Healthy Community ab.ca/Pages/HPECConference2010.aspx School Community - Interactive Health 2.0 NCTCA – NORTH CENTRAL – February 5 PDTCA – PALLISER DISTRICT– February 19 - RCLP 2nd edition - Interactive Health 2.0 Ever Active Staff CCTCA- CALGARY CITY– February 11 & 12 - Recipe Card Lesson Plans –Second Edition Director, Doug Gleddie – [email protected] - Interactive Health 2.0 GETCA – GREATER EDMONTON– February 25 & 26 Education Coordinator, Tracy Lockwood – - Considering a School Nutrition Makeover? - Interactive Health 2.0 [email protected] Bite Off What You Can Chew! - Recipe Card Lesson Plans –Second Edition Project/Communication Coordinator, Shannon Horricks NETCA – NORTH EAST ALBERTA– February 11 - Mental Wellness: Part of Your Healthy School – [email protected] - Interactive Health 2.0 Community School Coordinator, Joyce Sunada – [email protected] - Mental Wellness: Part of Your Healthy CEATCA – CENTAL EAST ALBERTA – March 4 & 5 School Community - Interactive Health 2.0 Administrative Assistant, Rhonda Schilberg – - Considering a School Nutrition Makeover? - Recipe Card Lesson Plans –Second Edition [email protected] Bite Off What You Can Chew! Administrative Assistant, Karen Gouge – - Recipe Card Lesson Plans –Second Edition [email protected]

3 Physical Activity Centre

Winter Olympic Stations

Equipment: Various equipment can be used • Bobsledding: One student sits on a mat around a circle marked off with pylons. depending on the activities chosen: recycled with a scooter placed underneath while the When students round the last corner have paper or carpet squares, scooters, bean bags, other group members hold onto the sides them pick up a ball and throw it into one of hula-hoops of the mat and pull it around a track. For a the hula hoops taped onto the wall. greater effect use indoor strings of light to Organization: Set up the activity stations Variation/Inclusion: Have students design make a pathway. and place students into groups. Students and create their own station. A picture card complete the activity at a station and move • Curling: Create rings using fl oor tape and can be provided at each station and students to a station that is open. Try playing upbeat use either bean bags as the curling rocks or with developmental disabilities can move music while the students are active. Stations scooters with a pylon taped on the top for through the stations with a partner. can include the following: the rock. • Cross-Country Skiing: Students step onto • Luge: Students move through a course their paper skis and use fl oor hockey sticks while lying on a scooter. turned upside down to move through a • Speed Skating: Students one at a time step course set up with pylons. Carpet squares onto their paper skates and speed skate can also be used.

equipment idea Crazy Carpet! Snow Angel Line Race using ropes, handles or just by hanging onto the sides as they pull the chariot through the snow. Activities adapted from Daily Divide students into teams of 2-3. On a signal to start, Physical Activity: A the fi rst in line races to a designated spot while sitting Handbook for Grades on either their knees or seat on the crazy carpet. Once Winter Olympic Activities 1-9 Schools at tthe designated spot, the student gets off of the crazy Seal Walk – Divide the students into teams of (Whole School cacarpetrp and lies down to make a snow angel, and then 3-4. One team member seal walks (lying on his or Large Group raracesc back on the carpet. Once the next student in or her stomach, lifting upper body off the ground Physical Activities lilinen has received a high fi ve, the next team member in with arms and walks forward, dragging legs). The Section, pgs. 153- lline moves. The students create the angels, one after 168) seal’s legs must be laying on a crazy carpet. Once another, connected in a straight line. a seal reaches a predetermined spot, they come back and high fi ve the next seal in line. Chariot Races Students create teams of fi ve; four members are 2-Person Bobsled “horses” and one is the “rider.” Teams will race a Two students could sit on a crazy carpet and the predetermined course with their chariots (crazy carpets) other two students pull them around a designated and the fi rst team to complete the course with its rider area. on the chariot wins. Students may stay on the chariot

4 The Physical Education Activity Centre is sponsored by Wintergreen – visit www.wintergreen.ca for more information about unique Canadian products and services.

Contact your Alberta Sales Consultant, Marcel Gagne at 1-800-268-1268 ext. 505 or [email protected] for Winter Carnival Activities a personalized preview today!

Equipment: Appropriate winter gear, • Outdoor Snow Bowling: Organize various equipment needed depending on the students into 4 teams and hand each the activities chosen: parachute, bocce team one bocce ball (red, blue, green and balls, sleds, scooters, poly spot markers yellow). The student at the front will toss made from water frozen in the shape of or carpet squares, beanbags, playground their ball toward the parachute. One color any containers at hand. Ideas for shapes balls will be tossed at a time. If the ball stops include, rubber gloves fi lled with water, on the parachute, one point is awarded. If balloons fi lled and tied, then shaped using Organization: Snow Jam, Ice Fest, Bon the ball lands on the same color as ball, elastics, cookie moulds, and muffi n tins. homme Carnival, Take the Chill Out of two points are awarded. On the signal, Color can be added to the sculptures by Winter Races; whatever the name may be the front student may collect the ball and adding food coloring to the water before for your winter event, below is a list of return it to the next student in line. freezing. activities that can be used: Variation/Inclusion: Try making your event • Snowball For All: Each team rolls a • Sled Pull: Divide the group into two a cross-curricular one by holding a Bon snowball in a certain amount of time big teams and have one or two students sit Homme Carnival to support the French enough for the entire team to sit upon on a sled. On the signal, pull the sled curriculum and have activities such as: without breaking or falling off of it for 30 across a line and back. seconds. • Ice Sculptures: Create an ice sculpture in • Iceberg Walk: A team must cross the a large group or try small individual ones “iceberg” by stepping only on carpet pieces or poly spot markers. One teammate’s foot must be on a marker at Activities taken from Healthy Active Schools: A Resource to Support the 2008-09 WinterActive all times or the marker will fl oat away. Campaign (Active Living in the Winter Section – compiled and submitted by Ever Active Schools) Markers can be passed to the front of Download the SummerActive and WinterActive resources @ www.everactive.org/summer-winter-active the line. Should any team member touch the “iceberg”, the entire team must return to the start and begin again. • Penguin Bounce: Each of the “penguins” (beanbags) must land on a poly spot marker. Each team member takes a turn holding a “penguin” on top of a rubber playground ball behind an indicated line and bounces the ball to propel the penguin in an attempt to have it land on a poly spot marker. Once all “penguin” beanbags have “bounced” onto a marker, the points can be added. • Human Curling: Students in a group of four or fi ve will take turns sitting on a scooter and be the “curling rock”. One group member will push the “curling rock” towards the target (colored lines or poly spot markers placed on the fl oor in a circle). Each line or ring in the circle represents points. Once all students have had a chance to be the “curling rock”, the points are added up.

5 Healthy Eating Centre

Nutrition Resources Healthy eating is a very important part of an active, healthy lifestyle. As educators we are constantly looking for the most up to date nutrition information that is relevant to our students, staff and families. Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services are two reliable and informative sources for nutritious food information. They both offer many valuable resources that teachers and parents can simply download from their websites and use. Here are a few that we know you will fi nd to be very benefi cial and informative! Alberta Health and Wellness Resources Alberta Health Services Resources Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Making Meals Happen The following AHS developed resources have Children and Youth The articles in this section are written with been made available on the EAS website at: www. This resource provides research-based nutrition you in mind. You’ll fi nd lots of ideas for everactive.org/healthy-eating information for anyone providing food in menu planning and eating on a budget childcare facilities, schools, recreation and as well as eating tips for people with Steps to a Healthy School community centres. The guidelines promote the special conditions. www.healthyalberta.ca/ Environment: School overall health in children with a focus on practical HealthyEating/664.htm Nutrition Handbook healthy food choices. To make “the healthy In the News Excellent nutrition resource choice, the easy choice,” foods in the guideline used for classroom education have been divided into three categories of food Newspapers, magazines and websites are full (curriculum links included) with to choose, “most often, sometimes” and foods to of information about how to stay healthy. 29 downloadable handouts that choose ”least often”. http://www.health.alberta.ca/ Healthy eating is one good way. Eating can be used for students, staff documents/Nutrition-Guidelines-2008.pdf#13 well helps to prevent certain diseases and and parents. This handbook will conditions (and helps us stay at a healthy assist schools to teach healthy Healthy body weight). The articles in this section eating habits and reinforces Eating Active give you reliable information about topics these habits by providing healthy food choices Living (HEAL) that have been “in the news” lately. www. throughout the school. Additional appendices include Brochures healthyalberta.ca/HealthyEating/661.htm information on healthy food choices for breakfast These resource programs, vending machines, cafeterias and school Snacktivity Box: (Preschool) stores, classroom parties, as well as healthy rewards, booklets explains This resource was developed to provide fundraising ideas and sports nutrition. to children and caregivers with a simple teens what it way of creating healthy Portion Size Kit Activities means to be environments for Teach healthy portion sizes! physically young children in their care. The Snacktivity This Portion Size activity Kit active, eat healthy, make Box provides fun and easy activities and Activities complement the healthy lifestyle choices and around physical activity and healthy eating Alberta Nutrition Guidelines have a positive self-image. for children aged 3 to 5 (also great for for Children and Youth. This Also includes information to parents/teachers/ Division I students). www.healthyalberta. teaching tool consists of a blue caregivers on creating healthy environments to ca/Documents/Snacktivity_Box_healthy_ lunch bag, items to represent support healthy growth. eating_section.pdf different serving sizes (e.g. golf ball and tennis ball), healthy www.health.alberta.ca/documents/HEAL- plate “Frisbees” and a variety of Brochure-6-12.pdf Cookbooks for Kids food picture cards. The Portion Size Activity Book, www.health.alberta.ca/documents/HEAL- First there was The Amazing Little support the kit and includes K-12 activities linked to Brochure-13-18.pdf Cookbook. Now there’s My Amazing Little Alberta Education outcomes for K-9 Health and Life Cookbook – an updated cookbook full of Skills and CTS: Foods. Healthy U Resources and Tools new and exciting recipes designed to teach Free Healthy U resources all in one convenient kids ages 7 to 12 how to cook and to try Single Serving Packaged Food List place. A comprehensive list of great tools and out new foods. Recipes include healthy Comprehensive resource list of packaged foods resources on healthy eating and active living for snacks, meals, drinks and desserts that available in the marketplace that meet the ‘Choose all ages. Includes credible information for parents, require different Most Often’ and ‘Choose Sometimes’ criteria as teachers, children, teens as well as work place degrees of adult listed in the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines.” wellness. All resources are supervision to This list makes it easier to select healthier available in pdf format. make. www. packaged foods from the huge www.healthyalberta.ca/ healthyalberta.ca/ number of products available AboutHealthyU/280.htm HealthyEating/319. in Alberta. It refl ects examples htm of packaged foods found in Alberta stores as of July 2009. 6 Mental Wellbeing Centre

The Place of Mental Health in your School Community

It tends to be easier to be in touch with School Community Contributions to our physical health and most people can Mental Health Warning Signs readily recognize the benefi ts of exercise • Schools can be a natural place for students It is valuable to be able to recognize the and healthy food. Mental health, to engage in activities that build confi dence warning signs of failing mental health. however, can be perceived as being a and enhance self esteem. Many schools Although many of the following little more complex. Let’s start with offer a wide variety of opportunities for all thoughts and feelings can be normal what it is! students to feel successful. Don’t forget that reactions in children and youth, if they other healthy habits are strongly connected Defi nition last for more than 2-3 weeks, they to positive mental health – look into nutrition may require attention. These signs • Mental health is much more than and physical activity policies at your school are not always easy to read so be sure just the absence of mental illness. – Other ways to support positive social consult with qualifi ed mental health The World Health Organization environments include: defi nes mental health as a state of professionals. Common warning signs well-being in which the individual • Mental Health First Aid Training for school in children include: staff. realizes his or her own abilities, • withdrawing from social activities can cope with the normal stresses • Provide at least one adult connection at school and/or isolating themselves of life, can work productively and for each student. This could take the form of • feeling worthless or extremely guilty fruitfully, and is able to make a a staff / student connection program. • crying a lot for no particular reason contribution to his or her community. • Let students express themselves and be This means that a mentally healthy creative – not everyone likes hockey and not • sudden change in behaviour and/or person has: meaningful and positive everyone likes music – provide opportunities acting out interactions with other people and the for all! environment; the ability to adapt well • experiencing severe anxiety, panic or to change and cope with adversity; a • Avoid the tendency to sweep bullying under fear balance in all aspects of life, including the carpet such as saying “that’s just girls” • having very low energy or having too mental, physical, emotional, social and or “that’s just boys”– step in and make a much energy difference. spiritual aspects. In the school setting, • not sleeping mental health can also be viewed There is no health without mental health! As as positive social environments. with the other components of wellness it is • losing interest in hobbies and Schools can endeavor to be a place important to fi nd balance in all that you do. pleasurable activities where mental wellbeing is valued and A healthy school will value mental health • having trouble concentrating or steps are taken to provide an optimal and encourage staff and students to watch for following through on plans environment where both physical and warning signs, maintain balance and take steps • decline in school marks mental health can fl ourish. to improve mental health and quality of life! • feeling easily irritated or angry • seeing things or hearing voices that Weblinks… others cannot • experiencing signifi cant diffi culties Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health with peers http://www.aamimh.ca • persistent preoccupation and/or repetition that is out of the ordinary Alberta Health Services http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/317.htm • bullying, threatening or intimidating others Canadian Mental Health Association (Alberta) • inappropriate use of drugs or alcohol; www.cmha.ab.ca • refusing to comply with authority fi gures. Grip Magazine http://griponlife.ca/grip/

7 Alberta Health & Wellness Updates

The Raising healthy Eating Active Living (REAL) Kids Alberta evaluation is set to begin its second round of data collection between March and May 2010, with grade fi ve students in select schools across the province. The REAL Kids Alberta evaluation is a joint project of the School of Public Health, University of Alberta and Alberta Health and Wellness. The intent of this evaluation is to assess the impact the Alberta Health and Wellness Healthy Weights Initiatives and to provide some measure of health outcomes for children in Alberta. The fi rst round of data collection began in March 2008 in 148 randomly selected schools across Alberta. Additional schools were also selected for the survey, including APPLE Schools, The Battle River Project, Ever Active Schools, and the successful school recipients of the Alberta Healthy School Community Wellness Fund. The evaluation involves surveying grade fi ve students, their parents, and the school principals to assess student and school health. The students are also weighed and measured, with the results remaining confi dential. According to the baseline data from 2008, grade fi ve students need ongoing opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity in healthy environments.

Summary of Results 2008: Recent REAL • The majority of grade fi ve students digital pedometers. Participating students wore the Kids Alberta are not meeting Canada’s Food Guide pedometers for one week and received their printed recommendations; in particular, only 27% results at the end of that week. The pedometer publications of students are consuming enough fruits and study schools have recently received their school Spitters H, Schwartz M, vegetables reports, which indicated that students continue to & Veugelers P. Parent and have lower than expected activity levels, although • Only 26% of students report being suffi ciently student support for school some schools have made concerted efforts to physically active policies that promote improve activity and nutrition, with improving healthy eating and active • 47% of students spend three or more hours results for students. per day in front of a screen outside of school living. Physical and Following the upcoming 2010 edition of the survey, Health Education Journal • Among grade fi ve students in Alberta, 29% the participating schools and districts will receive 2009, 52(2), 30-34. www. were overweight or obese in 2008, which is a comparison report, which will show results from realkidsalberta.ca/docs/ substantially higher than estimates from an both 2008 and 2010. We hope the results of the PhysHealthEdJ52_2009.pdf earlier study in 2004 REAL Kids Alberta evaluation will be helpful for Simen-Kapeu, A, Kuhle, S. schools, districts, and the Province in supporting • Parent responses indicated strong support for & Veugelers, P. Geographic ongoing school health programs. a school environment that promotes healthy differences in childhood eating (90%) and daily physical activity For more information about REAL Kids Alberta, overweight, physical activity, (95%) contact the Project Coordinator, Megan Purcell nutrition and neighbourhood All of the randomly selected schools have at [email protected] or 780-492-5472, or see facilities: implications received a report that summarized the 2008 www.realkidsalberta.ca. for prevention. Canadian REAL Kids Alberta results for each school. Journal of Public Health In addition, each of the school districts (forthcoming). also received a district-specifi c report. The Carson, V., Kuhle, S., additionally selected schools, such as the Battle Spence, J.C., Veugelers, River Project schools and the Wellness Fund P. Parent’s Perception of Schools, can expect to see their reports in early Neighbourhood Environment 2010. The reports are often used to inform as a Determinant of Screen policy and practice in the school community. Time, Physical Activity, and Some schools have used this information to Active Transport. Canadian support the planning of school environments, Journal of Public Health selection of programs, or applying for grants. (forthcoming). In the spring of 2009, thirty schools in the Edmonton area participated in a focused REAL Kids Alberta Pedometer Study. In this additional evaluation, the Grade 5 students completed surveys and recorded their physical activity using highly accurate, time-stamped

8 The Alberta Healthy School Community Wellness Fund was established in 2007 by Alberta Health and Wellness in partnership with the School of Public Health and the Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities to provide fi nancial support to school communities that demonstrate a collaborative, coordinated response to promoting physical activity, healthy eating and positive social environments. Funding has been provided to 70 projects in school communities across Alberta, reaching over 371 schools and 138,127 students and establishing more than 446 community partnerships in support of healthy schools.

Some highlights of activities that have contributed One key to the success of all of our projects • Climbing Ever Stronger : Healthy Students to the positive changes we’ve seen in Wellness has been the use of an assessment tool in order are Strong Students - Cardston Elementary Fund projects include the implementation of to determine community needs prior to project (Cardston) the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines to support planning. These tools can and should be utilized • Get R.E.A.L. Marwayne – Marwayne Jubilee making the healthy choice the easy choice as at check points throughout the project in order to School (Marwayne) school communities modify vending, canteen acknowledge successes as well as provide insight • Rosslyn School Project : Healthy Lifestyles and hot lunch options. Many schools have for future direction. Two of the most commonly provided Professional Development opportunities used assessment tools are the HATS tool from Initiative – Rosslyn Jr. High (Edmonton) for teachers in the area of Healthy Eating by Ever Active Schools and the Healthy School • Breton High School circle of Life Memorial connecting with community nutritionists which Planner from the Joint Consortium for School Garden - (Breton) has allowed for cross-curricular connections Health. • Live, Laugh Learn – La Glace School (La and greater support in programs such as “Kids Glace) in the Kitchen” and other cooking clubs for ANNOUNCEMENTS: • APPLE – Activities to Promote Positive Living students. In the area of Physical Activity, Ever The Wellness Fund would like to congratulate the for Everyone – Provost Public School (Provost) Active Schools has provided many Professional 13 projects that were approved for funding in the • Two Hills All Together for Healthy – Two Hills Development opportunities for projects in Category B: Smaller Grant in November 2009. order to provide quality Daily Physical Activity School (Two Hills) Please welcome the following newcomers to the • Belmont’s TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves and Daily Physical Education to children. The Wellness Fund community: purchase of moveable equipment and DPA bins More) – Belmont School (Edmonton) has also been important in supporting improved • South Eastern Alberta School Communities for • Stirling School Healthy Eating and Active physical activity in school communities. We Healthy Opportunities for Children (Medicine Living Campaign (Stirling) have also seen some great things in the area of Hat Area) • Student Health and Leadership – Changing Positive Social Environments. Student leadership • HEART Program of Our Lady of Mount Directions – La Crete School (La Crete) programs, character education and the use of the Pleasant School Y2: The Beat Goes On • After the Bell - Town of Legal (Legal) 40 Developmental Assets have proven successful. (Camrose) For complete information and descriptions of the project plans, please visit the Alberta Coalition For further information on the Wellness Fund, please contact: Holly McPherson, Project Coordinator for Healthy School Communities website: www. [email protected] achsc.org/wellness_fund.htm CALL FOR PROPOSALS! We are currently accepting applications for both school community projects or activities or with the Guidelines and ensuring curricular and extra- the Larger Grant A and Smaller Grant B categories. approval of the Project Coordinator, for specifi c curricular links have been made to healthy eating. The application template can be downloaded from components of larger school community projects. • Embedding a culture of active living by making the link below. The same application template The project must address at least one of the three links to both curricular and extra-curricular should be used for both grant categories. Please priority areas of the Wellness Fund of Active Living, activities, making any necessary changes to note that these projects will need to complete Healthy Eating, and Positive Social Environments. project work plans and submit evaluations by the the school community environment to support Wellness Fund project end date of June 30, 2010. Projects should aim to implement Comprehensive physical activity. School Health initiatives which enable them to build • Fostering a culture within school community • Category A. Larger Grants: Grants of over and strengthen the capacity of each school community. $5000 and up to $25,000 are available for where students, staff, parents, and community new projects. Larger Grant projects must A healthy school community is one in which all citizens partners feel safe, valued and connected. including teachers, students, parents, administrators incorporate activities that demonstrate • Enacting policies that promote Comprehensive and community leaders from the private, public and partnerships that include more than one school School Health and which encompass Healthy social sectors as well as government, organizations, or community and preferably at a jurisdictional Eating, Active Living and Positive Social clubs, and institutions work together to create physical level and address at least two of the three Environments. priority areas of the Wellness Fund of Active and social environments that support active, healthy The deadline for grant applications is Monday, Living, Healthy Eating, and Positive Social lifestyles for school-aged children and youth. January 11, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Application forms Environments. Projects could consider working towards: and supportive documents can be obtained at the • Category B. Smaller Grants: Smaller Grants: • Linking food choices to the “Choose Most Often” following link: www.achsc.org/wellness_fund.htm Grants of up to $5,000 are available for smaller category from Alberta’s Provincial Nutrition

9 Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Updates

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Funding Opportunities

To enhance the quality of life in Alberta, • Development Initiatives Program: provides • Sport Participation Initiative Program: the ASRPWF provides fi nancial support to support to Albertans working in the areas provides support for the development eligible sport and recreation organizations of sport,recreation, parks and wildlife for and operation of programs designed to through the: project and program related endeavours. increase or enhance participation in sport • Canadian Sport for Life Project Grant: • Hosting Program: encourages the for under-represented groups, or to provide provides support for the development development of youth in sport, recreation, opportunities for these groups in coaching, and application of principles of the fi rst parks and wildlife and promotes economic offi ciating, or volunteer. four stages of the Long-Term Athlete growth in Alberta. Development (LTAD) framework into • Podium Alberta - Alberta High Visit www.tpr.alberta. ca/grantprograms/ program design development and delivery. Performance Athlete Assistance Program: default.aspx for further • Coach and Offi cial Development Initiatives: provides support to Alberta High information, forms and provides opportunities to further coaching Performance Athletes. deadlines. development in Alberta.

The Happily Ever Active Calendar is available on our online store for $15.00. Happily Ever Active will help keep track of your family’s busy schedule and support you in making sure your children are healthy and active. Included are large spaces for writing and tips in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity and mental well being.

http://www.everactive.org/online-store CONTEST

The 2011 edition of the Happily Ever We are holding a contest open to all Alberta schools to obtain Active Calendar will feature artwork artwork to feature in our calendar. Look at the website for from K-12 students across the further information and a copy of the Release Form. Deadline province. is March 15, 2010. Enter as many times as you want.

10 Alberta Education Updates

Alberta Education has completed the review of wellness-related programs of study (K–12 Physical Education, Career and Life Management, K–9 Health and Life Skills) and as a result, developed the Framework for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Wellness Education. Copies of the framework are now available online at: www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/pe.aspx (English) and www.education.alberta.ca/francais/teachers/progres/core/edphys.aspx (French).

The framework responds to the growing concern for the health of children and youth in today’s society and outlines the signifi cant role that curriculum can play in improving student learning and health outcomes. The purpose of the framework is to outline the fundamental concepts and inherent values of wellness education and provide guidance for the future development and implementation of K–12 wellness programs of study in Alberta. The framework is holistic, student-centered and meets the needs and priorities of Alberta students living and learning in the 21st century. The structure of K¬–12 Wellness Education in Alberta includes three key components: Implementation of high 1. health and physical education programs of study (K–9 Physical Education, K–9 Health school programming is and Life Skills, Health and Physical Education 10–20–30) scheduled to begin in 2014–2015, followed 2. wellness dimensions integrated across all K–12 subject areas by K–9 in 2015–2016. 3. wellness-related courses from other areas that provide students with opportunities to gain Further information in-depth knowledge and apply their skills in specifi c wellness-related topic areas. about K–12 Wellness Education can be Wellness education nurtures the whole child and found by visiting the enhances students’ capacity for achieving their full Alberta Education potential—intellectually, physically, socially, website at http://www. spiritually and emotionally. Revisions to education.alberta.ca/ the current K–12 programs of study will teachers/program/ begin at the high school level with the wellness-education. development of the Health and Physical aspx or by contacting Education (HPE) 10–20–30 programs of representatives directly: study. Many of the concepts from the • Karen Fetterly current CALM Personal Choices general (English framework) outcome and the four general outcomes 780-422-5079 or of Physical Education will be considered karen.fetterly@gov. in the development of HPE 10–20–30. ab.ca. Planning is also underway to ensure • Alan Chouinard that concepts related to career education, (French framework) fi nancial literacy, community engagement at 780-422-1983 or and volunteerism will continue to be alan.chouinard@gov. addressed in the Kindergarten to Grade ab.ca 12 curriculum. Stakeholders will have an (To be connected toll- opportunity to provide input in this phase of the free inside Alberta to planning process. More information about these either of these contacts, opportunities will be shared when it is available. dial 310–0000).

11 regional representatives

Mighty Peace District Greater Edmonton District Calgary City District The Health and Physical Education RR: Scott Randall RR: Lee Schaefer Co-RR: Sonia Sheehan Council (HPEC) of the Alberta Good Shepart School University of Alberta Foundation for the Future Charter Teachers’ Association, as a professional PEACE RIVER EDMONTON Academy E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] CALGARY organization of teachers, advocates for E-mail: [email protected] quality health and physical education Athabasca District Greater Edmonton District Palliser District programs and provides opportunities for RR: Sheldon Germain RR: Jodi Harding Sister Mary Philip St. Cecilia Junior High School RR: Kendra Harper professional growth and development FORT MCMURRAY EDMONTON Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy of its members. HPEC is committed to E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] CANMORE E-mail: [email protected] providing leadership in creating healthy North Central District Central East District active school communities. RR: Dylan Dellezay RR: VACANT South East District École J.E. Lapointe School Thanks to Jayson Boyson who did a tremendous RR: Joral Maynes There is an HPEC Regional Representative BEAUMONT job serving as RR for the Central East district. J.C. Charyk Hanna School If you are interested in the RR position or know E-mail: [email protected] HANNA (RR) in each of the eleven districts across someone suited for the role, email Brenda E-mail: [email protected] the province (see map on opposite page). North East District Bower @ [email protected] The RR is your health and physical RR: Tim Yakiwchuk Red Deer District South West District education lifeline! They are your source École Dickinsfi eld School RR: Susan Dillabough RR: Fred Jack of information for events, opportunities ST. PAUL River Glen School LETHBRIDGE and workshops happening in your area, E-mail: [email protected] RED DEER E-mail: [email protected] and serve as a liaison between the HPEC E-mail: [email protected] executive and it’s members across the province. If you are a new health or PE The Runner teacher, or would like to be added to your The Runner is HPEC’s Journal publication and has a collection of lesson plans, RR’s contact list, please send them an email, articles and information for Health and Physical Education teachers. To download introduce yourself, and provide them with your copy of The Runner visit www.hpec.teachers.ab.ca your contact information. RR’s always welcome suggestions and ideas for what professional development opportunities are needed in your area. Get connected today! The Council Needs You! HPEC is currently accepting nominations of HPEC members that are interested in being on the Executive Council. See the HPEC Regional Being a part of this Council will allow you to: Representative Boundaries Alberta • Be a leader in the province in the areas of Health and Physical Map to locate your area within the Education HPEC Districts and email Brenda HPEC • Use your expertise for your ATA Professional Growth Plan goal Bower (HPEC Vice-President) if you • Meet the requirements of the Alberta Initiative for School are interested in this opportunity: Members! Improvement (AISI) [email protected] Not Receiving Your Copy of the Ever ACTIVE! Renew Your HPEC Membership! Newsletter? Membership has its privileges, especially if it’s an HPEC Membership! The Ever ACTIVE! newsletter is HPEC Membership privileges include: attendance Register for your free HPEC membership today at now being sent electronically to at the annual HPEC Conference, semi-annual www.teachers.ab.ca. Login if you already have a user HPEC members. If you are not electronic subscription to The Runner, and name and password and go to the features on the right receiving Ever ACTIVE!, please involvement in a professional organization that hand side and look for Automatic Specialist Council contact the Ever Active Schools provides support in the areas of Health and Physical Memberships. If you are a new user, you can become offi ce to update your member Education. As a result of a resolution passed at the a member by choosing the login section of the site. You information today! Email hpec@ Alberta Teachers’ Association’s (ATA’s) 2007 Annual will need your teaching certifi cate number to register. ata.ab.ca or call Phyllis Fournier at Representative Assembly, active members of the Your HPEC membership expires every year (780) 447-9400. ATA have the opportunity to join one specialist on August 31. Be sure to renew your HPEC council of their choice each year at no charge. membership each year.

12 Upcoming HPEC Events

Thank you to all HPEC’s Annual Conference is being held in Red Deer April 29th – May 1st. For more information, visit: http://hpec. teachers who attended teachers.ab.ca/Pages/HPECConference2010.aspx the October 21 HPEC Drive In Workshop at Thursday: 4:00- 5:00pm Annual General Meeting 9:00am -4:00pm Preconference Woodman Junior High 5:30 – 6:30pm EAS 10th Anniversary Wine and Cheese 4:00 – 5:30pm Registration School in Calgary 6:30 -7:00pm Distinguished Service Award 7:00 – 7:30pm Mini key note 7:00 - 8:00pm Supper and the December 2 7:30 -10:00 pm Wine and cheese 8:00pm – 1:00am Dance Mini HPEC Drive In Past presidents wine and Cheese Workshop at FFCA – Saturday: SWE Campus in Calgary. Friday: 7:00am Rise and shine (run) All the presenters did 7:00am Physical activity session 9:00 – 10:15am Saturday morning keynote; Steve Norris a fantastic job sharing 8:00 – 9:00am Registration 10:15-10:30am Nutrition Break their professional 9:00 – 9:30am Certifi cates of Commendation 10:30-11:45am Session knowledge and 9:30 – 10:30am Keynote on Friday a.m. Dr. John Ratey 11:45am – 12:30pm Lunch 10:30-10:45am Housekeeping activities with workshop 12:30 – 1:45pm Session 10:50am – 12:00pm Sessions attendees. The next 1:45-2:00pm Nutrition Break 12:00-1:00pm Lunch – Robert Rutledge Address Calgary Drive In 2:00 – 3:15pm Session 1:00 – 2:15pm Sessions End of Conference Workshops is slated for 2:30 – 3:45pm Sessions October 2010. HPEC Annual Awards The Health & Physical Education Council recognizes outstanding contributions to health & physical education in the following manner:

A. Certifi cates of Commendation Nomination Procedures school physical education programs and/or enhance active healthy lifestyles of today’s (a) District representatives may nominate up to (a) The committee shall secure nominations for children and youth in school settings. two people in their zone who are current the Distinguished Service Award by: members of the council who have made or i. advertising in the “Runner” and/or Newsletter. Guidelines: are making an outstanding contribution to ii. Sending information forms to Council members Health and Physical Education (the number of • The children of the school must benefi t directly with the “Runner” of newsletter prior to the from the contribution nominees man be increased at the discretion nomination deadline, at least three months of the awards committee). These nominations prior to presentation. • A group is considered to be two or more will be presented with a certifi cate of individuals commendation at the annual conference. (b) All members of the Council are entitled to nominate persons for the award providing • The group may be a school, parent advisory (b) A summary of citations and biographical data that they obtain letters of reference from two council of another community agency of those receiving the certifi cates will be members of the Council. • Where more than on group works together included in a booklet available for distribution to provide the contribution to the school, all at the conference award ceremony. (c) No Nomination shall be considered by the committee unless accompanied by the groups are eligible to receive recognition B. Distinguished Service Award nomination blank appropriately documented • There are no limit to the number of projects and endorsed. which are eligible to receive the award in a (a) The award may be conferred annually. (d) Completed nomination forms shall be received given year (b) The award shall be ratifi ed by the table offi cers by the committee not later than 6 weeks prior • Any HPEC member is eligible to nominate (c) The award shall be announced and presented at to the presentation of the award. groups for the award the Annual Conference • Groups may receive the award each time they C. Local Incentive Recognition Program implement a new project which enhances The purpose of this award is to recognize the physical activity of youth contribution made by groups of people, enhance

13 Promising Practices Highlights

Whether you call it best practices, lessons learned or promising practices, the ideas shared here demonstrate the successes and positive impact on student learning, health and in the school environment. The Promising Practices document is a collection of ideas and resources to assist a school community in creating an environment that supports active living, healthy eating and mental health. For additional ideas or to submit a promising practice go to: www.everactive.org/promising-practices and click on DATABASE.

Promising Practices Database

Here are two featured Promising Practices for you to consider as you start the New Year. Family Activity Evenings Monthly campaigns to The Promising Submitted by Sonia Sheehan at FFCA – Southwood support healthy eating and Campus, Calgary active living (HEAL) Practices Database is Family activity evenings are an opportunity Submitted by APPLE Schools, Edmonton now available… for our physical education program to Each APPLE School uses the bulletin be celebrated and shared with our school board areas in the school to create an And… community. At the end of specifi c units environment that supports healthy living (gymnastics, dance, inline skating, and in the school. The bulletin board provides Ever Active Schools fi tness), an evening is organized for students, the focal point for a monthly campaign to parents, siblings, and teachers to come to support HEAL messages. Each month a wants YOU… the school and participate in the activity. different theme is chosen. This allows parents to see the learning that is occurring during our quality physical There is a newsletter prepared to provide to submit and search education classes. It promotes family active parents with similar information to the living by encouraging all family members to student bulletin board. Teachers are promising practices. participate in the activity. provided with material to support student learning in the classroom related to We currently run a mission impossible the bulletin board topic. As well, daily family evening where students can highlight announcements are made to reinforce the To do so, visit their gymnastic skills. A dance evening is message. also held where everyone can try the steps http://www.phecanada.ca/ to the dances we have learned in class and The monthly focus allows the school to weightoftheworld/e/challenge/ then let loose during free dance time. This run a whole school event of some sort; promisingpractices/ year we added a cultural component where e.g., Winter Walk Day, or World Milk families could share music and dances from Day or Taste testing at recess for unique their ethnic background. fruits and vegetables. By having a monthly Share your most promising focus the students receive messages activities, events and ideas with We have also set up our fi tness circuit for a about healthy living on a regular basis, colleagues across the province fi tness evening for students and parents to in a motivating and innovative way. The work out with the strength, fl exibility, and bulletin board campaigns are truly one way and country! cardio respiratory stations. Inline skating is to demonstrate the implementation of CSH another family evening that is offered. We by involving the entire school community. organize this during our inline skating unit where the skating gear is provided.

14 Community connections

15 Ever Active Schools Success Story

St. Cecilia Junior High School submitted by Jodi Harding St. Cecilia Junior High School in Edmonton activities offered at her school. She notes is an Ever Active School who is on the move the participation percentage in intramurals to improve their Healthy, Active School has defi nitely increased at the grade 7 and Community. They have implemented a 8 levels and even the homeroom teachers number of initiatives that are benefi cial to are stepping up to the challenge when students and staff and are committed to competitions arise between classes. making further strides. One of the biggest activity successes each St. Cecilia has implemented a ‘Health Hut’ year at St. that is open 4 mornings a week to serve Cecilia is the healthy breakfast snacks to students and Dance Unit. staff. Wellness Wednesdays feature low cost There is great nutritious lunches. These meals are prepared excitement and served by Grandparent volunteers in the surrounding school community. As with many Junior the culminating High Schools, St. Cecilia faces the vending school machine challenge. They are experiencing wide dance progress, as steps are being taken to increase competition. the number of foods included from the This involves “choose sometimes’ and ‘choose most’ not only the often categories of the Alberta Nutrition students and Guidelines. staff, but local St. Cecilia is proud of the amount of physical community activity available for their students. All members who come in to ‘judge’ the students have a daily physical education dancers based on a rubric developed class scheduled for 43 minutes per day by teachers. This is their most well (33 minutes on Thursdays). As well, there attended day and is a huge success. are numerous intramural and after school When asked what she feels the key activities available for students of all skill pieces to sustaining their Healthy, levels. What great opportunities to promote Active School Community are, active living to all students! Harding identifi es the following: Since focusing on these nutrition and creating a team within the school, activity initiatives, Jodi Harding, Physical setting aside time to plan with Education Teacher/Athletics Coordinator for students and other teachers, and Congratulations St. Cecilia School on St. Cecilia and Regional Representative for continuing to engage their PE Leadership creating and maintaining a Healthy Active HPEC, reports that the students at St. Cecilia class and utilizing them to continue helping School Community! As we say at EAS, are overall, more involved in the physical with intramurals. “Forever Active, Forever Healthy”! Have a success story Come by and visit! you’d like to share? 3rd fl oor, Percy Page Centre Contact Joyce Sunada ([email protected]) 11759 Groat Road, Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 to let everyone know the cool things Phone (780) 454-4745 • Fax (780) 453-1756 your school community is doing.

16