CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE PROVIDENCE
Four Csc Providence schools recognized as healthy schools by OPHEA

Four schools of the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence (Csc Providence) have recently been certified as healthy schools by the Ontario Health and Physical Education Association (OPHEA) for the 2023-2024 school year. With this designation, OPHEA recognizes the ongoing efforts of participating schools to foster the health and well-being of students, school staff and the entire school community. Catholic schools Saint-Antoine (Tecumseh), Saint-Francis (Tilbury) and Sainte-Thérèse (Windsor) achieved GOLD-level certification, while Catholic secondary school l'Essor (Tecumseh) made its mark with SILVER-level certification.

This year, students at Saint-Francis took part in a wide range of activities to promote their well-being, sense of belonging and inclusion. GOLD certification recognizes efforts made to strengthen their positive school climate and quality of life. The school team played a significant role in strengthening ties between students and adults at the school and in developing curiosity, open-mindedness, empathy and exchanges among members of the Saint-Francis school community.

With mental health at the heart of Csc Providence's priorities, students at Sainte-Thérèse also wanted to make a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of all students, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. In partnership with students from l'Essor, the school launched an inspiring poster campaign designed to promote mental health in everyday life and create conditions conducive to the well-being of young people. The success of this initiative was made possible by the essential commitment and collective efforts of elementary and secondary school students.

In addition to continuing the many outstanding programs already in place, such as the healthy snack program and the community garden, Saint-Antoine implemented several initiatives on mental health, healthy eating and physical activities. These initiatives have enabled students to adopt healthy lifestyle habits on a daily basis and have proved to be effective tools for fostering their educational success.

L'Essor obtained this certification last year and has continued its efforts in the area of mental health learning. Numerous partnerships with external agencies and elementary schools have given students the opportunity to discover and explore the services available to them in the community. The school attributes its SILVER certification to activities that are planned BY and FOR students, and to the support offered by staff members, aimed at explicitly addressing the needs of the student community.