School Health Online

Human Development and Hygiene

BAGS (Be a Germ Stopper)

BAGS (Be a Germ Stopper) is a resource which aims to support K-3 teachers with classroom and curriculum support for handwashing and other infection control measures with their students.  It includes downloadable lesson plans, games and activities as well as resources including videos and songs. 

This document is intended to be used as a print resource and is not in an accessible format.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Kindergarten: 
  • 6.3 - Practice and discuss appropriate personal hygiene that promotes personal, family, and community health
• Grade 1:
  • D2.4 - Safety at School
  • D2.5 - Hygienic procedures
• Grade 3:
  • D2.2 - Safety guidelines outside of class

Mental Health Literacy

MindMasters 2

MindMasters 2 is a mental health promotion resource that helps children to master emotional regulation through relaxation, positive thinking and mindfulness. It introduces children to these skills in fun and age-appropriate ways. With practice, children can use these skills on their own, in a variety of settings throughout their lifetime.

MindMasters 2 was developed by the Child and Youth Health Network for Eastern Ontario and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. It is now a program of Ottawa Public Health. It is designed for adults (both parents and professionals) to use with children ages 4-9 years.  

It includes a guidebook (with instructions, discussion questions and link to the Ontario Elementary curriculum) printable templates and media files (audio tracks, videos, songs).

MindMasters 2 - View/download program files

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:

  • 4.3 - Belonging and contributing
  • 4.4 - Self-regulation and well being 

• Grade 1:

  • D1.5 - Mental health and overall health
  • D3.3 - Thoughts, emotions, actions 
• Grade 2:
  • D1.5 - Body appreciation
  • D1.6 - Body and brain-responses and feelings
  • D2.5 - Knowing when to seek help 

• Grade 3:
  • D1.6 - Brain stress response system
  • D3.4 - External factors that contribute to stressful feelings

Human Development and Sexual Health

Sexual Health PowerPoint Module & Facilitator Guide (Grade 7)

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on a variety of sexual health topics including consent, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs), and online safety​.  

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• D1.1 - Personal Safety and Injury Prevention 
• D1.3 - Delaying sexual activity 
• D1.4 - Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) 
• D1.5 - STBBIs and pregnancy prevention 
• D2.4 - Sexual health and decision making 

Sexual Health PowerPoint Module & Facilitator Guide (Grade 8)

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on a variety of health topics including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, self-concept, consent, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs), and online safety​.

• D1.4 - Decisions about sexual activity; supports
• D1.5 - Gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, self-concept 
• D2.3 - Decision making considerations and skills
• D3.3 - Relationships and intimacy

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

A list of frequently asked questions by students on human development and sexual health related topics compiled by Public Health Nurses. Answers include definitions, detailed explanations, and prevention messaging.

You will find questions and evidence-based answers on:

• General topics related to puberty and sexual health
• Menstrual cycle, erections and ejaculation
• Gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation
• Sex, pregnancy and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
• Birth control and barrier methods

Frequently Asked Questions by Educators

A list of frequently asked questions by educators related to teaching on human development and sexual health. You will find questions and answers that include information on :

• Using inclusive language
• Where to refer students and parents for more information
• How to order free condoms

The Condom Game

The Condom Game is an engaging classroom activity that includes the steps for correctly putting on a condom which students need to place in the correct order. 

• D1.5 - STBBIs and pregnancy prevention

Understanding Conception Video

This video provides a visual and clear step by step explanation of the process of conception. This video can be used on its own and is also embedded in the Sexual Health module.  

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Video

This video clip provides a visual and clear step by step explanation of the menstrual cycle. This video can be used on its own and is also embedded in the Sexual Health module.  

Ophea - Always Changing 

Always Changing and Growing Up: Grades 7 & 8 Leader’s Guide provides curriculum-based lesson plans and themed activities addressing the physical, nutritional and emotional health of adolescents as well as valuable health, hygiene and body care content.  

• D1 - Demonstrate an understanding of factors that contribute to healthy development 
• D2 - Demonstrate the ability to apply health knowledge and social-emotional learning skills to make reasoned decisions and take appropriate actions relating to their personal health and well-being 
• D3 - Demonstrate the ability to make connections that relate to health and well-being – how their choices and behaviours affect both themselves and others, and how factors in the world around them affect their own and others’ health and well-being.  

Videos: Barrier Method Demonstrations

Video: Understanding Consent 

This 3-minute video on consent from 

• Grade 7:  

  • D1.3 - Delaying sexual activity (the concept of consent, the legal age of consent, and how consent is communicated) 

  • D2.4 - Sexual health and decision making 

• Grade 8:  

  • D1.4 - Decisions about sexual activity; supports

  • D2.3 - Decision making considerations and skills

Mental Health Literacy 

YouthNet

YouthNet/RéseauAdo (YNRA), is a for youth, by youth mental health promotion and intervention organization that offers workshops to students in grade 7-12 with a focus on mental health literacy.

In-person workshops include: 

• Wellness 101: We all have mental health, and mental health is just as important for our well-being as physical health. The goals for this presentation are for youth to understand mental health, understand the stigma associated with mental health/mental illness, better notice changes in their mental health, and learn where to go to ask for help.
• StressLess: We all experience stress in our lives, and stress can be overwhelming. The goals for this presentation are for youth to understand stress and its purpose, notice the signs of being distressed, and learn about coping and resources that are helpful with managing stress.
• How to Help a Friend: YNRA’s research has shown that youth are more likely to talk to other youth about their mental health issues when they talk to someone. The goals for this presentation are for youth to notice changes in their friends, become more comfortable checking in on a friend’s mental health, and learn how to connect a friend who is struggling to the appropriate resources.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grade 7:
  • D1.2 - Mental health, support
  • D1.6 - Mental health, mental illness
• Grade 8:
  • D2.4 - Routines and habits for mental health
  • D3.4 - Societal views, impact of stigma

Mental Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Substance Use Health, Addictions, and Related Behaviours - Coming in November!

Coming in November!

Human Development and Sexual Health

Sexual Health PowerPoint Module & Facilitator Guide

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on a  variety of sexual health topics including consent, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs), and online safety​.    

• D1.1 - Personal Safety and Injury Prevention 
• D1.3 - Delaying sexual activity 
• D1.4 - Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) 
• D1.5 - STBBIs and pregnancy prevention 
• D2.4 - Sexual health and decision making 

Understanding Conception Video

This video provides a visual and clear step by step explanation of the process of conception. This video can be used on its own and is also embedded in the Sexual Health module.    

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Video

This video clip  provides a visual and clear step by step explanation of the menstrual cycle. This video can be used on its own and is also embedded in the Sexual Health module.
 

Frequently Asked Questions by Students 

A list of frequently asked questions by students on human development and sexual health related topics compiled by Public Health Nurses. Answers include definitions, detailed explanations, and prevention messaging.

You will find questions and evidence-based answers on:

• General topics related to puberty and sexual health
• Menstrual cycle, erections and ejaculation
• Gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation
• Sex, pregnancy and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
• Birth control and barrier methods

Frequently Asked Questions by Educators

A list of frequently asked questions by educators related to teaching on human development and sexual health. You will find questions and answers that include information on :

• Using inclusive language
• Where to refer students and parents for more information
• How to order free condoms

The Condom Game 

The Condom Game is an engaging classroom activity that includes the steps for correctly putting on a condom which students need to place in the correct order. 

• Grade 9: C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs

Videos: Barrier Method Demonstrations 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs
• Grade 11: C2.3 - Reproductive and sexual health; proactive health measures

Video: Understanding Consent

This 3-minute video on consent from 

• Grade 9: C2.3 - Thinking ahead about sexual health, consent, personal limits 
• Grade 10: C2.5 - Decision making, communication, healthy sexuality 
• Grade 11: C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations 
• Grade 12: C1.3 - Skills and strategies for evolving relationships

Healthy Dating Relationships Guide

This Prevnet guide to healthy dating relationships was created through partnerships with researchers and organizations who are promoting healthy relationship strategies. It is available as PDF guide or as training modules.    

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C2.2 - Relationships – skills and strategies
• Grade 10: C3.5 - Relationships – effects on self and others
• Grade 12: C1.3 - Skills and strategies for evolving relationships

Supplemental resources and links to support teachers and educators can be found in our Additional Online Resources (by topic) section.

Mental Health Literacy 

Have THAT Talk Youth Activity Guide

The have THAT talk series was developed to help individuals have important conversations and take action to improve mental health and wellness. Teachers and educators are encouraged to use the videos and accompanying guides to have THAT talk about mental health and wellness.  

We hope the videos and activities will help educators and youth be more comfortable talking about mental health, learn ways to improve mental health and know where to get help and resources for mental health.

Guides and Videos:

• How To Talk About Your Mental Health
• Reducing Stigma
• Building Resilience
• Building Social Connections  

The Complete Guide:

• Have That Talk Youth Activity Guide

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9:
  • C2.2 - Relationships – skills and strategies
  • C3.2 - Mental health concerns – warning signs and responses
  • C3.3 - Responding to bullying/ harassment
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental Health - factors that enhance
  • C3.5 - Relationships - effects on self and others
• Grade 11:
  • C1.4 - Mental illness, addictions – causes, manifestations, and effects on personal health and well-being
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
  • C3.5 - Mental illness – reducing stigma
• Grade 12:
• C2.3 - Developing resilience, making healthy choices

Have THAT Talk about Racism Activity Guide

Racism is a public health issue that is experienced worldwide. The have THAT talk about racism activity guide will teach about:

• the impacts of racism on health
• how you can be an ally
• how you can start the conversation with youth

Guides and Videos:

• Have That Talk about Racism
• Do you Want to be an Ally?
• What is Racism and What are Microaggressions?

• Grade 9:
  • C3.3 - Responding to bullying/ harassment
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental health - factors that enhance
  • C2.3 - Conflict – within oneself and with others; resolution strategies
• Grade 11:
  • C3.3 - Risk factors and supports
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
• Grade 12:
  • C2.2 - Using living skills and supports to reduce vulnerability to harassment, violence, abuse
  • C3.2 - Harassment, violence, abuse in local and global contexts – resources, support

YouthNet

YouthNet/RéseauAdo (YNRA), is a for youth, by youth mental health promotion and intervention organization that offers workshops to students in grade 7-12 with a focus on mental health literacy.

In-person workshops include: 

• Wellness 101: We all have mental health, and mental health is just as important for our well-being as physical health. The goals for this presentation are for youth to understand mental health, understand the stigma associated with mental health/mental illness, better notice changes in their mental health, and learn where to go to ask for help.
• StressLess: We all experience stress in our lives, and stress can be overwhelming. The goals for this presentation are for youth to understand stress and its purpose, notice the signs of being distressed, and learn about coping and resources that are helpful with managing stress.
• How to Help a Friend: YNRA’s research has shown that youth are more likely to talk to other youth about their mental health issues when they talk to someone. The goals for this presentation are for youth to notice changes in their friends, become more comfortable checking in on a friend’s mental health, and learn how to connect a friend who is struggling to the appropriate resources.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9:
  • C3.2 - Mental health concerns – warning signs and responses
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental health – factors that enhance
• Grade 11: 
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
  • C3.5 - Mental illness – reducing stigma
• Grade 12:
  • C2.3 - Developing resilience, making healthy choices

Mental Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Substance Use Health, Addictions, and Related Behaviours 

Opioids PowerPoint Module and Facilitator Guide

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson that covers the general topic of opioids, fentanyl, addiction, substance use disorder, the effects on the body, overdose signs & symptoms, and what to do in case of an opioid overdose including naloxone. Recovery, harm reduction and stigma are also discussed. 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C3.4 - Social influences; decision-making, communication skills
• Grade 10: C1.2 - Effects on health and well-being
• Grade 11:
  • C2.2 - Connections between substance use, addictive behaviour, and physical and mental health; making safer choices
  • C3.3 - Risk factors and supports
• Grade 12: C1.2 - Consequences of substance misuse 

Vaping PowerPoint Module and Facilitator Guide

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the teacher or educator with a lesson that covers multiple areas related to vaping and its use, including youth marketing tactics and potential health risks. Recovery, harm reduction and stigma are also discussed. 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C3.4 - Social influences; decision-making, communication skills
• Grade 10:
  • C1.2 - Effects on health and well-being
  • C2.4 - Responding to challenges involving substance use or addictions – use of living skills
• Grade 11:
  • C2.2 - Connections between substance use, addictive behaviour, and physical and mental health; making safer choices
  • C3.3 - Risk factors and supports
• Grade 12: C1.2 - Consequences of substance misuse – short-term, long-term, legal

Human Development and Sexual Health

Lesson Plans for Students with Special Education Needs: Differing Abilities 

Lesson plans from  Teaching Sexual Health  for students who may experience challenges in their social and emotional development in comparison to typically developing students. The lesson plans often give options for students who may need more support versus activities where students can work more independently or in small groups.      

• Personal boundaries     
• Personal safety     
• Our bodies are private     
• Relationships     
• Sexual and reproductive health (STIs & birth control)     
• Puberty changes 

Active Living

Useful Links