Lambton County Student Wellness Council Manual

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, December 12, 2005.

Introduction

The Lambton County Student Wellness Council Manual is for use during the school year.  It has been developed by and is the property of the Community Health Services Department.  This manual will be recalled in the future to enable the Community Health Services Department staff to write a final report for accountability purposes.

Background

The idea of Student Wellness Councils started with the York Region Health Unit in 1988.   The Public and Separate School Boards joined in partnership with the Public Helath Department to create a student-based model for health promotion within secondary schools.

After researching this idea, D.J. Fazio, a pubic health nurse from the Lambton Health Unit, initiated the first Student Wellness Council at Lambton Central Collegiate Vocational Institute in 1991.  Don Hart, the school vice-principal, was also instrumental in the formation of this council.

In 1995, Northern Collegiate and SCITS had formed Student Wellness Councils and by 1996 every secondary school in Lambton County had initiated a Student Wellness Council.  Since that time, some wellness councils have ceased to exist due to certain circumstances within the education system.

Student Wellness Councils are organized and operated by students within each secondary school.  Each council assesses the health needs of its school community, identifies priorities and then plans health promotion strategies and activities that build skills and knowledge.  A teacher advisor and a health unit staff member provide assistance to each council.

What is Wellness?

Wellness is a self-directed learning process that happens within the individual. Wellness is:

• health in mind, body and spirit
• feeling good and enjoying life
• taking care of your body
• liking yourself, our family and friends
• being hopeful and proactive in your life
• make the most of what you have

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