Background
The District recognizes the important connection between student well-being, health, belonging, and learning. Schools play a unique role in supporting the physical, social, emotional, cultural and mental well-being of students through positive learning environments, meaningful relationships, and equitable access to supports and services.
The District is committed to fostering health-promoting school communities where students are supported to learn, grow, and thrive. In partnership with families, health authorities, local First Nations and Indigenous partners, community agencies, and other partners, the District will promote healthy school environments, healthy relationships, access to nutritious food, mental health and well-being, and opportunities for lifelong healthy living.
Informed by comprehensive school health approaches and current provincial guidance, the District will strive to ensure students have access to environments, opportunities and supports that contribute to their well-being and success in school.
Guiding Principle
Health promotion initiatives and supports will be planned and implemented in ways that promote equity, accessibility, dignity, cultural responsiveness and belonging, and that seek to reduce barriers to student participation.
Procedures
- The Superintendent or designate will support a District Healthy Schools Table that may include representatives from schools, Vancouver Coastal Health, and community partners. The table will provide opportunities for collaboration, information sharing, and the consideration of health promotion initiatives that support student well-being. The table is advisory; responsibility for District educational programs, priorities, and decision-making remains with the District.
- Schools will support health-promoting learning environments that foster students’ physical, social, emotional, cultural, and mental well-being and contribute to a sense of belonging, safety, and inclusion.
- Schools will implement relevant provincial curriculum and provide learning opportunities that promote health literacy, physical literacy, mental health and well-being, healthy relationships, food literacy and lifelong healthy living.
- The District will work collaboratively with Vancouver Coastal Health, community agencies, Indigenous Education Council, and other service providers to support student health, well-being, and inclusive access to appropriate services and supports..
- Health promotion initiatives and related supports will be planned and implemented in ways that seek to reduce barriers and promote equity, accessibility, dignity, and belonging for all students
- The District will support equitable and stigma-free access to food for students through school food programs and other initiatives consistent with provincial guidance and available resources. School food programs will seek to provide access in ways that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful of student dignity.
- School food programs Supported through provincial funding will comply with applicable funding requirements. School food programs, food sales, and nutrition-related initiatives will be informed by current provincial guidance including the BC School Food Toolkit, Feeding Futures, and other applicable Ministry resources.
- The District and schools will seek opportunities to develop and maintain partnerships that contribute to student health, wellness, belonging, and successful participation in school.
July 2026