Ontario Promoting Student Well-Being in Education

Press Release

Province Engaging with Partners to Enhance Well-Being in Schools

May 4, 2016

Ministry of Education

Ontario is releasing a discussion document to engage with education partners, parents and students on the well-being of children and students in Ontario’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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.

Quick Facts

Promoting well-being is one of the four goals for the early years and education systems, along with achieving excellence, ensuring equity and enhancing public confidence.
Through the newly revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum, students are provided significant opportunities to learn about well-being.
Since 2011, School Mental Health ASSIST is helping Ontario’s school boards build professional capacity to promote mental health for all students.
Between 2004-05 and 2015-16, the government invested more than $540 million in safe schools and equity and inclusive education to support the work of school boards and school communities. In 2016-17, total projected funding of $65 million will be invested to further support schools and school boards in providing safe, inclusive and accepting schools to support the achievement and well-being of all students.
Launched in 2009, Ontario’s award-winning Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy aims to help the education community identify and address discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to support the achievement and well-being of all students.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Our children are our most valuable asset, and it is our job to ensure that they are well prepared for the future so they develop into confident, capable and caring citizens. Our success in promoting well-being willExtensions depend on the knowledge, passion and dedication of everyone working together — including Ontario’s educators, staff, students and their families.”

Liz Sandals

Minister of Education

Media Contacts

May Nazar
Communications Branch
may.nazar@ontario.ca
416-325-2454

Nicole McInerney
Minister’s Office
nicole.mcInerney@ontario.ca
416-314-6020

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