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Health and Physical Education

​Revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum

In February 2015, the Ministry of Education released an updated version of the elementary and secondary Health and Physical Education Curriculum. OPSBA supported the release of the new curriculum, which reflects health, safety and well-being realities faced by today’s students. Updates to the curriculum include healthy relationships, consent, mental health, online safety and the risks of “sexting.” The curriculum has also been updated to be more reflective of Ontario’s growing and diverse population. 

Update: August 23, 2018

Consultations on the human development and sexual health component of the revised 2015 Health and Physical Education (H&PE) curriculum occurred in fall 2018.

School boards and trustees are entrusted with the safety and well-being of their students. OPSBA and its members strongly supported the release of the revised curriculum in 2015 which reflects the health, safety and well-being realities faced by today’s students and the principles of equity, social justice and inclusion and diversity.

In complete support of its members, OPSBA submitted two letters to the Minister of Education expressing its continued support for the 2015 H&PE curriculum and advocating for a modernized, balanced approach to any curriculum discussions or revisions:

On August 22, 2018, the government announced an upcoming consultation into education reform, which will include a review of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. The announcement does give our member boards some direction. However, there are other aspects of the announcement that bear further review such as the proposed process to deal with parent concerns. We respect that curriculum falls under provincial jurisdiction and will be looking at ways to provide input into the upcoming consultations. We are confident that Board staff will provide the necessary direction to teachers and trust they will act professionally in supporting student safety. As always, we are willing to offer our assistance and expertise in discussing options, as well as using our existing consultation mechanisms.

School boards have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in learning environments where they feel welcome, included, valued and respected.