Safety in PHE

Educators play an important role in promoting

children and youth’s well-being by creating,
fostering, and sustaining a learning environment
that is healthy, caring, safe, inclusive, and
accepting.

Physical Safety
When considering the physical safety of the student it is thinking
about the physical space the students will be in, either classroom,
gym, field, or weight room.

Key points for a Gym:

At minimum a visual check must be done.
Ensure all benches are in good condition and placed in a
proper space around the gym.
Any hazards must be removed or properly marked.
Ensure all hole covers are in the floor properly.
Have the floor swept and dust free.
Ensure any equipment secured to the wall is done properly.
Check to see that all equipment is secure when not it use.
 Emotional Safety
When considering the emotional safety of the student it is thinking
about the physical space the students will be in, either classroom,
gym, field, or weight room and how they fell while there.

Key points for emotionally safe space:

Be responsive to the students needs which is grounded in the
respect between students and teachers.
Take the time to do one-on-one check ins with students as all
may not want to discuss ideas in large groups
To build the respect ensure students are represented in the
curriculum and activities you choose.
Set routines, so students know what is happening
Get to know your students as people and learn who they are!
Consider building the classroom community from day 1 and all
year.
Follow through with consequences, then students do know you
will follow through.
 Bullying Prevention
Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour
directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be
known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body,
feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is
a real or perceived power imbalance.

Key points for Bullying Prevention:

Help students, parents and school staff become more aware of what
constitutes bullying and where and when it may be happening.
Help students know where to turn for help if they experience or know
about acts of bullying.
Help students succeed — research shows that a healthy school
environment helps to support student success.
Increase student and community engagement in this important issue.
Create teams and partnerships
before hand
Select activities that are suitable for
all students
Get to know all your students
Make your expectations for
all behavior clear

References/Cites Used
Ontario Education Curriculum Documents
“Belonging and Emotional Safety.” Belonging and Emotional Safety - Casel Schoolguide,
schoolguide.casel.org/focus-area-3/classroom/a-supportive-classroom-environment/belonging-and-
emotional-
safety/#:~:text=To%20feel%20emotionally%20safe%2C%20students,Cohn%2DVargas%2C%202013).
Alber, Rebecca. “20 Tips for Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational
Foundation, 6 Aug. 2015, www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-create-safe-learning-environment-rebecca-alber.
Government of Ontario. “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.” Untitled Document, Government of
Ontario, www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/qsandas.html.
PEwithPalos. “BLOG: 6 Tips to Prevent Bullying in Your P.E. Class.” FREE RESOURCES FOR PE TEACHERS, 15
May 2019, pewithpalos.com/2019/05/15/6-tips-to-prevent-bullying-in-your-p-e-class/.