Healthy Schools

Health curriculum

The Health and Physical Education Curriculum (HPE) supports students to develop the skills and knowledge to:

• Understand themselves and others
• Think critically and make and promote healthy choices
• Develop and maintain healthy relationships
• Be safe, physically and emotionally
• Be physically active to live and thrive 

A Parent’s Guide to the Revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum, Grades 1 to 12.

View the Ontario Curriculum broken out by grade for elementary and secondary.

Head lice

In line with the Canadian Paediatric Society’s position, the Board recognizes that pediculosis, commonly known as head lice, is a nuisance, it is not a disease or health issue. Head lice is a community concern which needs to be managed through partnership with parents/guardians, students, staff, and the school community. There is no medical or scientific rationale to prevent students with head lice from attending school.

Identifying nits and lice

Nits, or lice eggs, are tear drop-shaped eggs that are about the size of a sesame seed. They often appear to be white or translucent. Unlike dandruff, they are firmly glued to the hair strand and can typically only be removed using a special comb. Lice eggs are usually found along the hairline.

Adult lice are usually light brown in color and measure about 2-4 mm. They are usually found crawling in the hair and scalp.

For resources to help parents/guardians with the regular inspection, detection, treatment, and eradication of head lice, please visit the Canadian Pediatric Society’s Caring for Kids – Head Lice Resource Page.