What happens when student wellness leaders come together to share ideas, build connections, and imagine healthier, more welcoming schools? They discover the power of their voices and the positive impact they can have in their communities.
In October, Ever Active rolled out the red carpet for student leaders at Student Wellness events in Banff and Medicine Hat. Students had opportunities to learn, move, connect with peers, and plan wellness initiatives that reflect their school communities’ needs and strengths.
Both events shared a common message: students are not just participants in school wellness; they are leaders in creating it.
From Student Voice to Student Action
When students help shape school wellness, they can identify priorities that matter to their peers and inspire meaningful change.
In the Canadian Rockies, student teams from five schools gathered for the third annual event, delivered in collaboration with Ever Active, Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS), Right from the Start, and Primary Care Alberta, with support from Jumpstart Charities and Alberta Blue Cross.
Guided by the Healthy Schools 4-Step Process and the supportive adults in the room, students reviewed school survey data to identify areas of need and began developing action plans. A panel featuring returning student leaders, an educator, and an administrator shared insights on leadership and creating change. Collaborative outdoor movement activities also helped students build connections.
As the day progressed, students grew more comfortable sharing their ideas and speaking up. Their enthusiasm was tangible. Their reflections captured the impact of having their voices heard:
“Being a part of this helped me… speak up, interact with others, make school a better place and learn more about wellness.”
“This helped me feel like I can… act like a leader and genuinely make a difference in my school. My voice matters.”
These reflections highlight the power of youth leadership. When students feel heard and supported, they can recognize their potential to make a meaningful difference.
Nearly 200 Student Leaders Take Action in Medicine Hat
In Medicine Hat, nearly 200 student leaders from 20 schools and four school divisions came together, supported by 11 partner organizations.
Students participated in three breakout sessions, energizers, and action-planning activities. They explored wellness, connected with peers from around the region, and considered how they could create positive change in their schools.
An Ever Active Youth Advisory Council member also joined the event and reflected:
“I found it very insightful and so much fun to see young students in our community engaging in activities that were not only entertaining but also provided opportunities to learn about creativity, leadership, and teamwork. It was such a great experience to see students including one another and helping to create a safe and empowering environment for learning and play!”
The event highlighted the value of bringing students and community partners together. These partnerships strengthened the experience on the day and helped lay the foundation for continued collaboration and positive change in school communities. Thank you to Jumpstart Charities and The Beej Project for making this event possible!
Turning Ideas into Action with the Healthy Schools 4-Step Process
Inspiration is an important first step, but lasting change takes planning, collaboration, and reflection. At both Student Wellness events, students used the Healthy Schools 4-Step Process to explore how they could turn their ideas into action.
The process supports a comprehensive, inclusive, whole-school approach to wellness, engaging students and the broader school community at every stage.
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Assemble Your Team
Bring together students, school staff, parents and caregivers, and community members to share perspectives, skills, and ideas.
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Identify Your School Community’s Priorities, Assets, and Goals
Listen to student voices, recognize existing strengths, and identify the wellness priorities that matter most to your school community.
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Develop Your Plan and Take Action
Work collaboratively to create a plan and put ideas into action. Student leaders can help shape initiatives that respond to their peers’ needs.
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Celebrate and Reflect
Recognize achievements, reflect on what worked, and identify opportunities for continued growth.
Schools can bring this process to life in their own communities through the Healthy Schools Recognition Program supported by Ever Active, Ophea and PHE Canada. This self-directed program supports schools in strengthening new and existing health and wellness initiatives. It offers tools, tips, and prompts to guide school communities through each step, with the flexibility to develop a Healthy Schools journey that reflects their unique priorities and goals.
By putting student voice at the centre and engaging the wider school community, schools can build shared ownership of wellness initiatives and create meaningful, lasting change.
Every Student Has a Role to Play
The Student Wellness events in Banff and Medicine Hat remind us that youth leadership doesn’t have to begin with a big idea or a fully developed plan. Sometimes, it begins with a student feeling comfortable enough to speak up, a group recognizing a shared concern, or a conversation that sparks a new possibility.
When students are given meaningful opportunities to contribute, they develop the confidence and connections to help shape their school communities. With supportive educators, engaged partners, and a process to guide their work, those ideas can grow into initiatives that make a real difference.
Ready to get your school’s wellness journey rolling? Explore the Healthy Schools Recognition Program and discover how your school community can turn student voice into action.
Because when we make space for young people to lead, we create healthier schools where everyone has the opportunity to belong, connect, and thrive.
Written by Chesa Peter
