Putting the H in PHE

February 4, 2022

Academics

GNS

Physical and Health Education (PHE) classes are more than just physical activity, PHE students also spend time learning about their own personal health. Over the course of the year, students are taught a variety of skills that contribute to their healthy living toolbox.

For example, we tackle strategies for dealing with mental stress, developing healthy routines and relationships, and how to set personal goals.

The BC curriculum also requires all students to learn age-appropriate information about their sexual health and about healthy relationships with both their peers and adults.

In January, Grade 6 to 10 PHE classes were visited by counsellors from the Women’s Transition House’s P.E.A.C.E. program (prevention, education, advocacy, counselling and empowerment). The program is free to Victoria area schools and provides interactive workshops and education about healthy relationships, personal boundaries and more.

The program provides an environment to explore and understand feelings, teach healthy ways to express emotions, define and understand abuse, and raise awareness about personal rights.

The students held a meaningful dialogue with the councillors, and it was very notable how engaged the students were in the discussion and how willing they were to share with their peers. Students who don’t always raise their hands were contributing to the important discussions and getting out of their comfort zones.

We are so grateful to Nate Demetrius and his team of counsellors, they were incredibly skilled at creating a safe space for our students to learn about sensitive content.