Van Tech WIN: A Collaborative School-Based Wellness Initiative Presented by: Leann Buteau Derek Roelofsen Kathy Romses

Vancouver Technical Secondary Located in east Vancouver 3rd largest secondary school in Vancouver 1620 students enrolled Surrounding neighbourhoods have the highest proportions of vulnerable youth Multiple different special programs and initiatives to help meet diverse learning needs

Coming Together School-led, student-focused initiative Spring 2013 Initial discussion Established a draft Terms of Reference Summer 2013 Partnership established with UBC

The Background

Engaging the School Community Wellness Initiative Students Staff Parents

Wellness Promotion and Capacity Building Prioritization Reflection and Dialogue Engagement and empowerment of school community is key to success – students and staff need to feel ownership Regular dialogue with school community re: survey results, priorities, and action plan Identified issues / action items integrated as part of the School Growth Plan

Bringing Together Research and Practice Concurrent streams Research – longitudinal Annual wellness survey – feed into school goals and action Grassroots wellness promotion and capacity building

Wellness Survey Developed collaboratively to reflect the needs of the Van Tech community Example survey items: depressive symptoms, academic workload, social-emotional learning, sleep, food security, self injury, student-staff relationships

Focused Action Sleep Hygiene Food Security

Food Security Approximately 25% of students report food insecurity

Food Security Student-led collaboration and action planning Breakfast program Capacity building, and engaging community resources Outreach to families

Vancouver Food Asset Map

Vancouver Food Asset Map Provide a tool for locating community food assets that is current, user friendly, and easily updated Build community capacity and support food access for community members dealing with food insecurity Make it easier for community partners to view and utilize community food assets strategically

In the Long-term Integrate social-emotional wellness into the daily life of Van Tech students and staff Support and improve school connectedness among Van Tech students Enhance student success Create a sustainable, wellness-promoting school environment

Thank you! Questions? Comments? vtwin@vsb.bc.ca