Administrators, classroom teachers, parents, and caregivers have a shared and important responsibility in helping students attain and/or maintain optimal wellness. Discussion and reflection about the roles within curriculum renewal assume that schools and school divisions are committed to actualizing the renewed Wellness 10 curriculum.
As educational leaders, administrators are key to successful curriculum renewal. Administrators facilitate the curriculum renewal process by having knowledge of the curriculum, providing resources, and supporting the change process from the physical education curriculum of the 80s, through the wellness curriculum of the 90s, to the wellness curriculum of 2004. In general, it is helpful if administrators:
Note: An Administrator’s Checklist for Supporting Wellness 10 Renewal is found in Appendix D.
New teachers, and teachers new to Wellness 10, as well as experienced teachers of Wellness 10 will need time and opportunities to develop an awareness, to explore, and to become.
knowledgeable about and adopt classroom practices that reflect the philosophy and expectations outlined in the renewed curriculum guide. Mindful that individual teachers will be at different stages in their understanding and comfort with the teaching of Wellness 10, the curriculum guide includes sample yearly/semester plans, sample units, and some sample lessons. In addition, teachers can use the sample teacher checklists provided in the renewed curriculum and the self-reflection guide provided in Appendix E of this bulletin to reflect on their strengths and needs, and to develop professional growth plans.
Saskatchewan Learning has selected, and provided professional development for, a cadre of catalyst teachers in order to support the renewal of Wellness 10 throughout the province. The role of these teachers is to:
Administrators and teachers need to acquaint parents and care givers with the renewed Wellness 10 curriculum guide, including its aims, goals, and objectives and its philosophy, content, and approach. In order to facilitate awareness and understanding of the Wellness 10 curriculum, information such as the sample parent newsletter found in Appendix F of this bulletin may guide discussions or presentations during parent/caregiver awareness sessions or may be included in a parent/caregiver information package.
Saskatchewan Learning continues to recommend a local liaison committee to support wellness teachers and to facilitate co-ordinated planning. The role of the committee may vary from one community to another but the basics are to:
The committee structure and mandate may vary from one area to another. Membership should include:
It might also include:
The liaison committee might strive to work with the school, community, and health region toward comprehensive school health.
Shared responsibility is fundamental to wellness. An effective wellness program exists in the context of complementary programs in the entire school and in the community. Recognition is given to the health/wellness education provided by the home and by health care agencies.