Help Your School Take Action - Making Your School a Healthier Place

Please complete and return the survey to your child's teacher no later than (insert date).

Research shows the positive effects that regular physical activity and healthy eating have on a child's ability to learn. A healthy school promotes physical, social and emotional health.

Your answers to the following questions will help us identify the health issues at (school name). The results will be shared with you in the next school newsletter, and a plan for action will be put in place by the School Health Committee.

1. Would you like to see more opportunities for your child to be physically active at school?

   No, my child gets enough activity at school
   Yes, my suggestions are:______________________________
   _____________________________________________________
   _____________________________________________________

2. Do you have any concerns or ideas about improving the food or drinks sold at:

   Special Food Days (e.g., pizza day)
   School Fundraisers
   Tuck Shops
   School Dances
   Vending Machines
   Other ____________________________________

Please tell us your thoughts and ideas.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

3. What health/wellness issues would you like more information about, in order to help you support your children? Please check all that apply.

   Healthy Eating
   Physical Activity
   Body Image
   Other ____________________________________

4. How would you like to receive this information?

   In a monthly school newsletter
   In a monthly email
   Via updates or presentations at the school on various topics
   Other ____________________________________

5. In your opinion, what would an ideal "healthy" school be like?
   ________________________________________________________
   ________________________________________________________
   ________________________________________________________
   
   
6. (A) Do you have concerns about the types of food children bring for lunch or snacks?

   No
   Yes

   If yes, what are your concerns?

   Pop, chips, chocolate bars
   Fast food dropped off at school
   Other ____________________________________

   (B) Why does this concern you?

   Children's health may be affected in the future
   Other children's lunches influence my children
   Other ____________________________________

   (C) What do you think would help the situation?

   Selling healthy choices at school (special food days, fundraisers, tuck shops)
   Information/education for parents in newsletters or presentations
   Developing policies about healthy eating at school
   Other ____________________________________

7. Do any of the following concern you about the environment in which your children eat their lunch?

   Allergies and food safety
   Students' eating location or surroundings
   Amount of time to eat
   Cleanliness
   Other

   Suggestions for improvement _________________________
   _________________________________________________
   _________________________________________________

8. Do you have concerns about the social behaviours in the school?

   Teasing about children's weight and/or appearance
   Bullying or harassment issues
   Respect for others and their property
   Other

   Suggestions for improvement _________________________
   _________________________________________________
   _________________________________________________

Thank you for taking time to complete this survey!

PLEASE COMPLETE!
THE CLASS WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF RETURNS WINS A PRIZE!!

Research shows the positive effects that regular physical activity and healthy eating have on a child's ability to learn. (School name) is committed to offering healthy eating and physical activity opportunities for students and their families. Which of the following activities would you like to participate in? Also, please feel free to note any other ideas you have.

Please circle the activities that interest you and your family.

Extracurricular Activities

• Family Walking Club: Once a week we'll hold an hour-long walk through the local paths. Bring your kids, dogs and friends! (insert meeting location and time)
• Parent/Child Family Fun Nights: The school gym will be available every (insert evening and time) for parents and their children to play basketball, volleyball, dodge ball etc.
• Family Biking Club: Similar to the walking club, a weekly biking group will get together for an hour bike ride through the local paths.
• Family Fun Day (location; week-end date):
  (This may be an annual Fun Fair or something similar for families. Community agencies such as local municipal recreation departments may be available to plan and run physical activities for children/families).
• Yoga/Tai-Chi Classes: A chance for parents to participate in a weekly class held in the (insert location) between 2-3 p.m.

Peel Health Presentations

• Healthy Lunches and Snacks: How to apply Canada's Food Guide when making children's lunches, tips on preparing healthy lunches and snacks and food label reading.
• Kids and Body Image: Learn about factors influencing body image such as media, puberty, teasing/harassment and dieting pressures. Resource materials are provided to help kids improve self-esteem, eating habits and physical activity.
• Get Them Moving! This workshop provides parents with helpful ways to incorporate fun physical activity into their family's daily routines. Learn about the current physical guidelines for children and youth and Region of Peel statistics on the physical activity level of our children.
• Confused by Labels? Learn how to read and use the new nutrition food labels.

We welcome any new or different ideas. Please share any other suggestions below.

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: ____________________________ Teacher: _________________________

Please complete and return the survey to your child's teacher no later than (insert date).

Thank you for taking time to complete this questionnaire!