Physical Activity Resources | City of Hamilton

Being physically active can help children and youth reach their full potential. Aside from many health benefits, students who are physically active are well prepared to learn. Schools and school communities need to work together to ensure that all children and youth have opportunities to be active throughout the day.

Resources for

physical activity

Follow the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum
Review and adhere to the revised Daily Physical Activity policy for grades one through eight.
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth
Access online health and physical education resources and training from Ophea such as lesson plans, student .templates, and assessment tools.
2020 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Active and Sustainable School Travel Lesson Plans
Ophea’s COVID-19 Considerations for Physical Activity

Learn about Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) and its benefits. Apply to have your school recognized for excellence in school physical education programs through the Quality Daily Physical Education Award Program.
Create a school policy to ensure that physical activity is never used or taken away as a punishment; instead, consider using it as a reward (such as an extra recess).
Develop a school travel plan, which focuses on school travel route analysis to improve the students’ daily journey to and from school.
Review the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play and have your school sign on as a supporter of the position statement
Be an active role model by walking or biking to school, being active during lunch, recesses, or breaks.
Implement regular practice and promote physical activity as a strategy to manage stress and improve mental health wellness

Ask students for their opinions on ways to get students and staff more active at school.
Assist students to make positive changes to their school physical activity environments by applying for Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification program.
Have students identify free/low cost physical activity opportunities around the school and where they live including parks, trails, and recreation facilities.

Ensure student access to physical activity equipment, playground markings, and playground zones at recess, breaks, before and after school.
Walk around the neighbourhood to determine transportation and safety concerns at and around the school.
Review Ophea’s article about Barrier-Free Health and Physical Education
Promote Kid Sport Canada for students to access financial support for registered sports programs
Adopt True Sport’s principles for fair play - ethical, inclusive, fun, safe and welcoming environments.
Check Smart Commute Hamilton to learn more about the School Bike Rack Seed Fund Program
Follow school board policies and Ophea’s Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines to ensure a safe active environment

Engage parents and caregivers and encourage them to get involved in school physical activity by providing them information and opportunities at parent council meetings, newsletters, school website, or parent engagement nights.
Check out the City of Hamilton’s recreation courses, lessons or drop-in’s and learn about their Recreation Assistance Program.
Visit the Ontario Active School Travel website to read about creating a culture of walking and active school travel options.
Contact a Physical Activity Specialist or Public Health Nurse by emailing [email protected] for help and advice on physical activity in schools.

Ressources du service de santé publique en français

Certains renseignements et certaines ressources du Service de santé publique présentés sur cette page Web pourraient être disponibles en français. Communiquez avec l’infirmière affectée à votre école ou envoyez au courriel à [email protected] pour en savoir plus long sur les ressources et les services offerts en français.

Date modified

September 16, 2022