“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
This issue of the PHE Journal features stories either by leaders or about leaders, all of whom are passionate about improving the health and well-being of Canadian youth.
In his column, PHE Canada’s new President and CEO, Brian Storey, writes, “Movement is essential not only for the development of healthy, active children and communities, but also for PHE Canada as an organization.” Continued effort is the only way to effect change, and change might be on the horizon, writes Storey: “The health care system may be primed for a shift from acknowledgement of our movement related problems, to action.” (Movement is Essential)
Also in this issue, we profile community leader and self-described ‘mental health superhero’ Alicia Raimundo. By way of personal experience, she’s become an outspoken advocate for mental health in Canada, giving speeches to huge crowds at international events and connecting one-on-one with Canadian students. (Community Leader Spotlight: Alicia Raimudo)
Two peer-reviewed articles this issue explore new avenues of teacher leadership and their potential positive impact on students. Relatedness in Dance considers how dance education can enhance students’ relationships with one another. Evaluation of Readiness for Wrestling Program weighs one Newfoundland community’s preparedness to develop an accessible and successful after-school activity program.
For the past three years, members of the PHE Canada Program Advisory Committee for Dance Education have been working in partnership with the National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School on the development of a project called Sharing Dance in the Classroom. New Resources for Successful Dance Instruction shares the roots of the program and outlines the remarkable resources now available for dance educators.
For the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, a two-day Healthy School Communities workshop lead to a collective effort by 10 schools across the district to develop a plan and establish healthier school communities. Healthy School Teams Unite for Success OCDSB highlights their path to collaboration and some of their successes, so far.
These articles, plus more in this issue, put the spotlight on leaders — the educators, schools and entire commuties — working to improve the health and well-being of Canadian children.
We hope you enjoy the issue!