The content from HealthyschoolsBC.ca has moved to HealthLink BC. You can continue to find information on the Healthy Schools BC provincial program and resources on HealthLinkBC.ca/healthyschoolsbc.
Comprehensive School Health (CSH) is an internationally recognized approach for supporting improvements in students’ educational outcomes while addressing school health in an integrated, planned and holistic way. The CSH framework helps educators, health practitioners, school staff, students and others to work together to create an environment that makes their school the best place possible to learn, work and play.
CSH extends far beyond what happens in the classroom. It includes the whole school environment with actions in four distinct but inter-related areas:
This component is about 1) the social environment, such as the quality of relationships and emotional well-being and 2) the physical spaces in the school, such as buildings, equipment, and outdoor areas.
This component is not about “teachers” and “students” but about teaching and learning opportunities, both inside the classroom and out, that help to build knowledge and skills to improve health and well being.
Referring to connections between the school and the community, including parents, other schools, community organizations and health professionals. This component can also refer to partnerships within the school such as between-class partnerships.
This component refers to provincial, district, school, or classroom policies, rules, procedures and or codes of conducts at all levels that help to shape a caring and safe school environment and promote student health and well being.
The four components of CSH listed above have been adapted from the Pan-Canadian Joint Consortium on School Health (JCSH) to resonate best with BC educators and students. The JCSH is a partnership between health and education departments from most of Canada’s provinces and territories and the federal government. The framework created by the JCSH is endorsed by the World Health Organization. Learn more about the JCSH.
Learn how this evidence based, internationally accepted framework can make a difference in your classroom, your school, and for your students.
This tool is a great activity to start a conversation around what is currently going on in the classroom and/or school within each pillar.
Provides frontline health professionals who work with schools and school districts with evidence-based information and tools to support them.
Outlines the shared involvement of educators and health partners in creating healthy schools, and engaging students in their health and learning.
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
