Thunder Bay schools make 'healthy' list for Ontario

Three Thunder Bay schools have received certification as "healthy schools" by the Ontario Physical Health Education Association...also known as Ophea.

St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary, St. James Public, St. Bernard Elementary and Hammarskjold High School made the cut after a year-long certification process.

King George VI Public School in Kenora and St. John Catholic School in Red Lake also received 'gold' certification.

Ophea advocates for healthy and active living in schools and communities, and aims to certify 100 Ontario schools as "healthy".

The certification is based on the Ministry of Education's "6-Step Healthy Schools Process."

Lori Lukinuk, president of Ophea, said the Thunder Bay schools were recognized for the healthy living-related activities they organize and run throughout the educational year.

"This is important," Lukinuk said,  "Ophea believes healthy, active living is vital, from start to finish of your life."

Lukinuk says in total, 107 schools were certified in Ontario this year.

54 schools received gold certification, 37 received silver certification, 16 received bronze certification, and 6 completed as participants.

For further information on certification please see the website www.ophea.net/HSCertification.