by Liz Sandals, news.ontario.ca

 

Ontario is releasing a discussion document to engage with education partners, parents and

students on the well-being of children and students in Ontario publicly funded education

system.

Research shows that children who have a positive sense of well-being are more resilient and

better positioned to make positive and healthy choices to support their life-long learning.

Students cannot achieve academically if they do not feel safe or welcomed at school, if their

well-being is at risk or if they lack the tools necessary to live active and healthy lifestyles, both

at home and in the classroom. Children who have a positive sense of self are better equipped to

meet the challenges of a fast-paced and increasingly interconnected world.

Informed by First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing and holistic perspectives of

education, starting in the fall of 2016, Ontario will build on the release of the discussion

document by launching an engagement process with its education partners to establish a

common understanding of what promoting well-being means in schools and to develop ways to

measure progress in promoting child and student well-being. In future years, the province will

also seek feedback about enhancing well-being for children in the early years, as well as

educators and staff.

Ontario Well-Being Strategy for Education discussion document highlights well-being

initiatives already underway in schools across Ontario, including fostering and promoting:

Focusing on well-being is part of the government economic plan to build Ontario up and

deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan

includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of

the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is

making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario history and investing in a

low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is

also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.