'Every Body, Every Day'.
The Manitoba government has introduced a pilot program for a new health and physical education curriculum.
"We want every child, every student in our province to be active," said Premier Wab Kinew. "And it includes an important change. From kindergarten right through grade 12, every single student in Manitoba will have to do gym class in-person, no doctor's notes."
The curriculum, being updated for the first time in 25 years, also includes new learning outcomes focused on the challenges students face, from mental-health impacts of social media and artificial intelligence to marketing of vapes and supplements, as well as risks associated with e-scooters.
Kinew has said the government will change gym so it works for everyone.
It's as much about the kid who thinks working out is no joke as the kid who cracks a joke to skip a turn. Kinew said if a student doesn't want to get changed for gym class, then let's not make them.
Let them take part as is. If you have a concern about an accommodation your child needs, Kinew looks forward to working with Manitobans while still finding a way for students to be active during the school day.
"If a young person has a mental health need, sensory needs, or uses a mobility device, these are all things we can plan around when we work together," said Kinew. "When we think about the future of our society, it has to be inclusive of an education that fosters health, well-being, and exercise among the next generation."
The new curriculum adds basic cooking skills to junior high and high school to ensure every student knows how to prepare healthy and affordable meals.
Kinew says this curriculum will make Manitoba a leader across the country.
"We are going to have the highest standard for making sure kids are active," added Kinew. "And it's going to be complemented with teaching about nutrition. Teaching about the dangers and harms of screen time. Having conversations about sleep. By students being exposed to this will ensure that future generations in Manitoba will be happy and healthy."
During the pilot, teachers and parents will have the opportunity to provide feedback as the curriculum is refined to meet the needs of students across the province.
