A health-minded school administration

• There is excellent awareness about the importance of school health programs and interventions.
• The school has adopted the Comprehensive School Health approach.
• There is total commitment and cooperation from all administration and staff.
• There are appropriate resources and time allotment to support QSH.
  

A holistic view of health

• Programs and services offered by the school community consider the whole child -- physical, mental, emotional and social.

A safe and healthy learning environment

• The school is an environment where students, educators and their supporters are enthusiastic about learning and respectful of each other.
• There are optimal physical conditions, such as clean air, safe playground equipment, and nutritious food options.

Community participation and collaboration

• The school and the community work together in the decision-making, planning and implementation of programs around student health.
• Community resources are offered and accessed.

Meaningful student involvement

• Young people are invited to participate in the planning and implementation of activities that directly affect their health and well-being.
• Young people feel empowered and considered as part of the school community.
  

A coordinated plan or framework

• Activities are planned to coincide with community-wide health initiatives.
• Activities are planned to coincide/enhance other school programs and events.

Health policies

• Policies for clean air, nutritious food, proper sanitation, safe playgrounds, physical activity, harassment, and staff wellness are implemented.

Quality health instruction

• Health is included as a core subject and is given adequate time in the school curriculum.
• Qualified teachers who understand the issues affecting our kids, and have the skills and confidence to teach about sensitive, yet important issues teach health education.
  

Access to current, quality health resources

• Teacher education programs provide adequate preparation in health.
• Teachers have access to resources and lesson plan material.
• Public health is available to support the school.
• Cross-curricular health themes that include collaboration from community partners and access to resources are present.
  

Inclusive school health programs and services

• Health programs and services address the needs of all young people in the school community, regardless of gender, race, religion, culture, physical and mental ability, or economic status.

A spirit of lifelong learning

• The healthy lifestyles that students adopt at school carry forward into all aspects of their daily routines.
• A Preventative Approach supports continued healthy lifestyles into adulthood.

Regular evaluation

• Assessment mechanisms are in place from the onset in order to monitor the effectiveness of health programs and services.
• Evaluation measures: How successful have the school health activities been? Are there better ways to deliver the programs and services? Have the school community’s priorities changed?
• Evaluation involves all QSH partners.