We are pleased to acknowledge the leadership and involvement of London DCSB Trustee, Linda Steel, in a national initiative to promote healthy schools. Trustee Steel is the national co-chair for the 2014 National Healthy Schools Conference being held April 9-10 at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in London.

This event is produced by the Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition which is an Ontario-wide, broad-based coalition with members from public health units, school boards, hospitals, mental health agencies, universities, health-related organizations, education-related organizations and parent and student organizations, working to promote healthy schools in support of student academic success.

The 2014 Conference theme – Coming Together: Supporting the Whole Child – focuses on whole health and more specifically how physical literacy, mental health, physical health, and emotional health are all interconnected and interdependent.

Presenters will be addressing the pillars highlighted in the Ontario Ministry of Education “Foundations for Healthy Schools” framework: Quality Instruction and Programs, Physical Environment, Social Environment, and Community Partnerships.  The Conference will include six highly recognized national/international keynote speakers and 45 break-out sessions – including two student-led presentations.

Here’s a short list of just some of the speakers presenting at this event:

• Dr. Peter Jaffe, Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Westernn Ontario and Academic Director of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against women & Children.
• Dr. Kutcher – internationally renowned expert in the area of adolescent mental health
• Dr. Dean Kriellaars will provide evidence and practical support to help coaches, parents, community members and educators help children and youth to become physically active
• Ms. Rona Maynoard, former Editor of Chatelaine

For full Conference registration details please visit: http://ontariohealthyschools.com/ohsc-annual-forum/.