New legislation banning smoking in vehicles with children under 16 came into effect in Ontario on January 21, 2009. By giving their children a smoke-free ride, parents are protecting their children's health, and taking a step towards improving their own health as well.
Over the past 6 months the Ontario Lung Association’s has implemented the Smoke Free Ride campaign, a province-wide education campaign supported by the Government of Ontario, to urge parents not to smoke in their cars when children are passengers. Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, middle ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are all very serious childhood conditions associated with exposure to second-hand smoke. Yet, many parents who smoke don’t always make the connection between their behavior and serious health consequences for their children.
To learn more about the Smoke Free Ride campaign and to help spread the message in your school community, visit www.smokefreeride.ca for more information.
The Ontario Lung Association has many resources of interest to child care providers and parents on issues such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. To learn more, please visit: www.on.lung.ca or call 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) to speak to a Certified Respiratory Educator.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE is June 19, 2009
August 11-13, 2009 Thunder Bay, Ontario
Join Ophea at Camp OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation), held by Ophea Master Trainers Jacquie Duhaime and Lorna Tremonti. Teachers will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, share their own strategies and “make and take home” resources/materials during the 3-day workshop.
Camp highlights include:
Resources and training to address DPA in small spaces (e.g., classrooms, hallways)
Learn and share integrated DPA activities to address time constraints of the school day
Explore opportunities for student leadership, school-wide DPA strategies and affordable equipment
Make support materials to use in your classroom (e.g., posters and math cards for DPA activities)
Registration is only $50 and covers workshop materials, onsite meals, and onsite accommodation if required. Register today!
Don’t miss this chance to see some of the world's best athletes compete in Toronto!
Run Like Lightning is inviting your school or track club to participate is a six week activity program which allows students and runners to get fit, raise funds and earn outstanding prize incentives.
A select number of participants in the program will have a chance to meet Usain Bolt during his stay!
The top 5 pledging schools or clubs will be able to select two members who will be invited to Jamaica on an all expense paid trip to meet the world's fastest man.
The first 200 schools or clubs to register in the Gold Medal Program will receive 5 complimentary tickets to the Festival of Excellence on June 11.
Can-Fit-Pro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show Metro Toronto Convention Centre
August 19-23, 2009
Can-Fit-Pro announces its 16th annual International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show where some of the world’s top presenters will showcase innovative workshops, activities, and lectures for fitness professionals.
Fitness enthusiasts will discover the latest in exercise and nutrition at the Consumer Fitness & Wellness Show on August 22, 2009.
Media is welcome and may request their passes at media@canfitpro.com.
Toronto, May 1, 2009 – Eleven communities across Ontario are recipientsof the “Youth Friendly” designation as part of the 2008 “Play Works Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program.” A Youth Friendly community is one that actively supports and provides opportunities for the growth and development of youth (ages 13 to 19) through play.
This year’s recipients, the Cities of Brampton, Hamilton, Pickering, and Sault Ste. Marie, the County of Brant, the Municipalities of Brooke-Alvinston and Port Hope, the Towns of Ajax and Hanover, the Township of Rideau Lakes, and the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa have all been recognized for their outstanding commitment to providing adolescent youth with opportunities to play, and to participate in and contribute to their communities.
The Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program celebrates communities that are taking steps to open their doors to youth by reinvesting in youth play. The rigorous selection process required communities to meet at least ten of sixteen youth friendly criteria including providing opportunities for play, youth engagement, accessible programs and opportunities for youth activism. Since 2005, 32 Ontario communities have been recognized as Youth Friendly.
New in 2008, communities worked towards different levels of recognition: communities that met 10 or 11 criteria are recognized as a Bronze Youth Friendly Community Builder, those that met 12 or 13 criteria are recognized as a Silver Youth Friendly Community Builder, those that met 14 or 15 criteria are recognized as a Gold Youth Friendly Community Builder and finally, those that met all 16 criteria are recognized as a Platinum Youth Friendly Community Builder.
Many communities have applied in successive years in order to achieve “Platinum Status.” The 16 criteria resonate with communities on many levels.
The Town of Caledon, a Youth Friendly Community (2007), used the criteria as a basis for planning. Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison said, “Being recognized as a Youth Friendly Community is important to the Town of Caledon. During the process of creating the Town’s Recreation Master Plan, youth were identified as a key priority, and we used the criteria set out by Play Works as guidelines on how to better serve Caledon’s youth." She added, "We formed a Mayor’s Youth Council to empower youth by creating a forum for them to give input on matters that affect them directly."
Providing opportunities for youth to play is essential to the Youth Friendly Community principles. "Play isn’t just playing," states Jennifer Cowie Bonne, the Play Works Chair, “it’s an essential and necessary aspect of development for youth. When communities make youth play a priority, they help youth reach their full potential. Youth Friendly Communities help to build a skilled and employable workforce, a creative cultural community, and healthier individuals - lessening the burden on our healthcare and social justice systems.
"Many communities large and small, urban and rural, are well on their way to being a youth friendly community." And she adds, "The time for putting Ontario’s youth first is now: I urge all communities to participate in the 2009 Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program."
Background Play Works is an independent group of organizations committed to helping youth by encouraging and promoting a greater investment in play. To learn more about Play Works, the Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program, The Cost of Excluding Ontario’s Youth From Play report, and the 'Do It Yourself' program, a one-time initiative to help fund youth organized activities, please visit: www.playworkspartnership.ca.
The Play Works Partners are: 4-H Ontario, Arts Network for Children and Youth, Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario, Educational Research Representatives, Laidlaw Foundation, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association, Ontario Young People’s Alliance, Parks and Recreation, Sport Alliance of Ontario Ontario, YMCA Ontario and Youth.
Play Works acknowledges and appreciates the support from The Laidlaw Foundation, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.
Media Contact: Diane English, Communications, Parks and Recreation Ontario phone : 416-426-7306 cell : 416-779-8670 denglish@prontario.org
Ophea needs the input of Ontario Elementary Educators to help plan for the development of new resources to support the revised Ontario Health and Physical Education (H&PE) curriculum, to be released Spring 2009.
The current Ophea H&PE Curriculum Support Documents or "binders" are widely used by teachers and have successfully assisted in the delivery of their Health and Physical Education classes.
Ophea needs your feedback to ensure that the new Ophea H&PE supports/binders will continue to support teachers as effectively.
All Ontario Elementary Educators are welcome to complete this short H&PE Needs Assessment Survey by clicking on either the English or French link below, or visit www.ophea.net/opheasurvey
CHNET-Works! and the Lifestyle Information Network are
pleased to announce a Fireside Chat (Pan-Canadian discussions for
professionals from community health and sectors related to promoting
physical activity for youth)
This
is the second Fireside Chat in this series on Skateboarding and Youth.
As a result of discussions and follow up requests from participants per
the Sept 2008 Fireside chat, this 'chat' will look at trends, training
and community stories. Across Canada many community leaders want to
support physical activity programs for youth. Skateboarding is a
favourite with the youth - but not necessarily with the adults/decision
makers. In this Fireside Chat we'll look at some of the 'struggles
and successes' and how to garner support for skateboarding in
communities per schoolboards and insurance companies, what kind of
training is needed and what is available. Co-host, Agnes Croxford will
'set the stage' by providing an overview of what is happening in the
'field' with a sample of questions and comments from health and
recreation professionals dealing with the issue of skateboarding in
their communities. Agnes will also share some LIN online resources and
continuing networking opportunities to support leaders in education,
municipal governments, health and recreation as they work to develop
Skateboarding opportunities in their communities. Jen Kelday will
share how a Skateboarding program (Skate Pass) was piloted last year in
Annapolis Valley schools, the work required with school facilities
manager and the school insurance program to be able to teach
skateboarding in phys ed class. Jen Kelday will also overview the
current implementation at the elementary level in physical education
class. The students are loving it! An essential element to include
in any Skateboarding program: Training for Skateboard Instructors.
Janis Luttrell will speak to why this is so important as well as what
is available in Canada and how to get more information. Training is
crucial to garnering support from decision makers in municipalities,
schoolboards and insurance companies. Participants are encouraged
to share their experiences re: barriers and success factors, trends and
topics to include in future fireside chats re: Skateboarding and
Youth
Who should join in? Community health and recreation professionals involved in addressing the issue of physical activity for youth in communities.
Advisors on Tap
Co-host/partner organization for this fireside Chat Agnes Croxford Manager, National Recreation Database Lifestyle Information Network LIN www.lin.ca
Janis Luttrell Programmer, Newmarket Youth & Recreation Centre & Kinsmen Sk8Park Coordinator, National Skateboard Certification Program
Jen Kelday Sport Animator Regional Manager Annapolis Valley Regional School Board
Use Ophea's Programs and Services and get Recognized by the Ontario Government for Being a Healthy School
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health Promotion have challenged Ontario schools to create healthier learning environments by participating in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program - schools are encouraged to apply by April 16, 2009.
To determine how your school can be recognized, the government has developed Foundations for a Healthy School, which outlines a broad framework to address a variety of health-related topics.
Bye using an Ophea program or service you are well on your way to being recognized. To see how the Active Schools program and other Ophea programs and services fit into the government's Recognition Program, please go to the link below and go to the Ophea Healthy Schools Chart for more information.
NEDIC's 2009 Shades of Grey Conference is all about embracing the nuances of beauty and exploring the complexities of health and well-being. Leading-edge practitioners, educators and activists offer opportunites to share experiences, learn new approaches, and change perceptions about body image issues. Register now for two days of provacative presentations, energizing insights and invaluable network. www.nedic.ca
The OHF is asking secondary school teachers and H&PE specialist teachers to inform their graduating students who play hockey inside or outside of school, who are also attending post secondary in the Fall, about the OHF Bursary Program.
The OHF Bursary Program will be fiving out $26,000 in financial assistance to OHF registered participants including placers, coaches, trainers and officials who are currently attending, or will be attending a post secondary institution. Applicants must be high school graduates; enrolled in a post secondary institution, or will be in the Fall of 2009; display commitment at the arena and in the classroom; and are members of the OHF, to be elegible to receive bursary funds. The bursary recipients are determined on the basis of academic acheivements, hockey involvement and community involvement.
More information on the OHF Bursary Program, including eligibility requirements adn applications, is available on the OHF website at www.ohf.on.ca or click here for the Bursary Program Guide.
Contact Melissa Wolk, Ontario Hockey Federation (416) 426-7258
Register for WinterActive and
receive free sample activities from Ophea's activ8 resource, a physical
activity challenge program that helps children and youth of all abilities
develop their fitness and skill levels. WinterActive is Canada's annual six-week
community-based healthy living campaign which helps Canadians take their first
steps to lead healthier lives. The goal is to spread the message that active
living, healthy eating and living smoke-free are all key parts of a healthy
lifestyle.
The WinterActive activities
can be used by classrooms to implement Daily Physical Activity (DPA)
expectations or as part of a WinterActive school challenge event to get all
students up and active together!
Ophea will be attending the
Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association’s (OECTA) annual conference,
OECTA: The Next Generation, taking place February 19 - 21, 2009 at the Hilton
Suites at the Markham Conference Centre and Spa.
Three hundred selected OECTA
members, in their first five years of teaching, are expected to gather at this
annual conference.
The conference will feature
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Harry Wong, an expert on classroom management and author
of The First Days of School.
Sogo Active is a national program to inspire 13 - 19 year olds to get
active launched October 9, 2008. Your information, incluging the
facilities you can offer and the activities you can support will be
visible to groups of youth who are developing their own get active plan
and looking for support in their communities. Community Hosts can
register at www.sogoactive.com.
Presented by Coca-Cola Ltd. in collaboration with ParticipACTION and
provincial and territorial partners, Sogo Active is recruiting
organizations from sport, recreation and active living sectors and from
less traditional sectors such as faith, youth engagement, environmental
and cultural organizations who serve youth.
Sign up by January 31, 2009 at www.sogoactive.com and Coca-Cola Canada
may provide Sogo Active youth connected with your organization an extra
chance to carry the Olympic Flame in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch
Relay.
Presented by Physical Health & Education Canada (Formerly CAHPERD) and the Health & Physical Education Council of Alberta. Early Bird registration deadline is February 15, 2009.
Conference Registration fee includes:
Keynote addresses
Engaging workshops
Access to the marketplace
Nutritional breaks on Friday and Saturday
Bag lunches on Friday and Saturday
Friday Night Social - Join us for an evening of networking and socializing!
Saturday Banquet - this formal event is a celebration of 75 years of successes in physical and health education
Pre-conference sessions are available for an additional charge
Online registration is available now! Register at:
Everyone
Jump 2008/2009 is a great opportunity for Grade 5 classrooms to participate in
a fun, free educational challenge to raise awareness of the importance of
regular physical activity and healthy eating in preventing type 2
diabetes.Last year, over 9,700 grade 5
students from across Canada
participated in Everyone Jump and it’s our goal to raise even more awareness!
The first
540 classrooms who register will receive:
the new 2008/2009 Educational Challenge Manual including 3
updated cross-curricular lesson plans which are directly liked to the Grade 5
curriculum
the Everyone Jump music CD which links directly to the
lessons
instructions and submission forms for participating in the
Educational Challenge
To
participate in the Everyone Jump 2008/2009 Educational Challenge, Grade 5
students can work individually or in a group to:
Design an advertising poster to promote an understanding of
diabetes
or, create a physical activity to accompany one of the
Everyone Jump songs and visually display the actions on a poster, or record the
activity and submit it on a DVD.
Winning
entries from the Educational Challenge will be recognized with an Everyone Jump
Celebration Concert live for their entire school and winning students will be
presented with a recognition plaque. All students from the winning classrooms
will also receive a participation certificate.
Top physical activity entries will be published in a
physical activity resource which will be provided to all classrooms who submit
entries to the Education Challenge.
The Educational Challenge kick-off date is on World Diabetes
Day, November 14, 2008 and the Educational Submission deadline is January 16,
2009.
Participation is limited; encourage your schools to register
today! To register for Everyone Jump 2008/2009, please visit www.ophea.net/order
Offered by Squash Ontario to assist teachers and physical education professionals with introducing squash to Ontario’s youth. School Squash is made up of three components – equipment, instructors and resources. First, decide whether you want to offer squash in a gym setting, on a squash court or both. If your only option is a gym, an instructor can show you how to adapt squash to a gym setting or if you can visit a squash court with your class, we will put you in touch with their squash professional. Next, to secure equipment or an instructor for your squash unit, complete the application form and return to Squash Ontario.
To apply for equipment or an instructor, complete the application form and return to Squash Ontario. The equipment loaner program is done on a first come, first serve basis; therefore, the sooner you apply the better to ensure a sufficient supply of equipment and availability of instructors. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks to have equipment delivered.
Cost
Equipment – FREE with a Visa or Mastercard provided as a deposit in case of late, missing or damaged equipment Instructors – Schools using the program for the first time are provided one free hour lesson with all additional hours and clinics payable by the participating school.
This session will be customized as a either a workshop or consultation to help make healthy schools a reality in your board.
Creating healthy schools is a key strategy in helping every student reach his or her full potential (Ministry of Education). This interactive session builds upon the successes and key learnings from Ophea's implementation of the Living School initiative to help make healthy schools a reality in your board. It will be customized to provide practical strategies, tools and resources to help your schools and communities realize the positive changes that occur when educators and community partners work together and share responsibility for healthy active living for children and youth.
The Moving Mountains Conference will be
will be held in partnership between Physical Health Education Canada (PHE
Canada) and Health and Physical Education Council (HPEC). This special
75th Anniversary conference will take place in beautiful Alberta, Canada from
April 30 to May 2, 2009.
Canada’s National Conference provides an
opportunity for professionals to assemble for the purpose of friendship,
knowledge sharing, professional development, and to identify, share and
collaborate on health and physical education issues from across the country and
internationally.
With the majestic Rocky Mountains and the
world-class Banff Centre as our setting, we invite you to join us for
outstanding sessions and events connected to our 2009 theme ‘Moving Mountains’.
Re-energize your skills and network with colleagues from around the
world.
The deadline for the PHE Canada/HPEC 2009 Moving Mountains
Conference in Banff Alberta is quickly approaching - October 31, 2008.
Don't miss your opportunity to submit for a session at this national event that
will gather more than 1000 delegates from across Canada and internationally.
Call for Presenters application http://www.cahperd.ca/Banff09/workshop_presenters/workshops_intro.cfm
Don’t miss Canada’s most exciting conference
of the year
Do you know a Physical Educator who always goes above and
beyond to inspire and engage their students? If you do, it is time to recognize
their contribution to their students, schools, communities, and profession!
Physical and Health Education Canada is currently seeking nominations for the
2008-2009 PHE Canada/ Wintergreen Physical Education Teaching Excellence (PETE)
Award. This award recognizes teachers who provide outstanding teaching
performance at the elementary, middle and secondary level, and who have an
exceptional ability to motivate students to participate in a lifetime of
physical activity.
Eligibility Requirements
·Primary teaching responsibility (minimum 60%) in one or more grades K-12
in Physical Education. ·Hold a Bachelor of Physical Education, or a Bachelor of Education or
Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education, be fully certified by
the province, and follows provincial curriculum using sound pedagogical
principles. ·Minimum of five years teaching experience in Physical Education. ·Full-time teaching contract, current at the time of nomination and
selection. ·A completed Physical Education Teaching Excellence Award nomination
package. ·Not a previous PETE Award recipient.
The applicant must be a teacher who:
·Conducts a quality Physical Education program as reflected in PHE
Canada's definition.
·Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness,
enjoyment of activity, sportspersonship, and sensitivity to the needs of
students.
·Participates* in professional development opportunities related to the
teaching of physical education. (* participates- it is intended that the
nominee not only attend professional development opportunities but share their
expertise with fellow teachers locally, regionally, or provincially)
It is time to take the opportunity to submit a nomination for the Physical
Educator who goes above and beyond. Please note that the nomination deadline
for this award is December
31st, 2008. To learn more about the award click here.
Thinkfirst
– Sudden Impact/Dive Smart DVD – A DVD on Diving Injury Prevention
To help a
new generation of teens, the Think First Foundation of Canada has developed two
diving safety education programs for elementary and high school students using
dramatization of realistic events with peer testimonials - now on DVD!
Sudden
Impact is intended for a high school student audience, age 12 years or older,
specifically in grades 7 to 12
Dive Smart
is intended for an elementary school audience, ages 6 – 12 years, in grades 1
to 6
