Toronto Schools on the Move

The aim of Toronto Schools on the Move (TSM) is to establish a culture in all TDSB schools that supports a healthy active school environment, by addressing one of the three focus areas within TSM - increased physical education, increased physical activity and improved healthy eating environments.

...building healthy active school environments.

Guiding Principles

TSM supports a healthy active school environment that is safe and inclusive.

TSM strives to increase scheduled physical education classes to the National standard of 150 min / week of formal Physical Education in addition to 30 min / week of health education.

TSM believes in maximizing opportunities for all students to be physically active on a daily basis in less structured programs in order to work towards the recommended 90 min / day of physical activity stated by Health Canada.

TSM values an environment that supports healthy eating.

Mayor Miller celebrates TSM

Lace up your walking shoes - Toronto schools are on the move!

TDSB celebrated International Walk to School Day

on October 6, 2004

iwalk for TSM

Mayor Miller was on hand to celebrate the launch of TSM at Palmerston Public School. Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health and Bruce Davis, TDSB Trustee assisted in the kick off of the program aimed to promote healthy active living. The honourary guests joined students, parents, staff and community members in playground games, Walking School Busses and a parade. The event was featured on City TV's Breakfast Television and City Pulse 24.

Toronto Schools on the Move recognizes that quality physical education, physical activity, and healthy eating are the key factors to help eliminate sedentary lifestyles that lead to obesity and the early onset of chronic disease in children and youth. As one of the many programs designed to increase physical activity, the TDSB is encourages students to walk to school, not only during International Walk to School Week, taking place October 4 to 8, 2004, but every day.

Why is TSM important?

The TSM initiative was instituted to address current evidence that shows inactivity in children and youth leads to increased risk for early onset of chronic disease.

Reduced fitness due to an inactive lifestyle in children is increasing at alarming rates and schools play a major role in shaping values, providing opportunities, and encouraging healthy active living.
In Toronto only 33% of children and youth are physically active.
In North America, 40% of five to eight year olds can be classified as obese.
Obesity is a critical risk factor in the development of Type 2 Diabetes in children.
Overweight and obese children are much more likely than healthy-weight kids to be bullied.

How will TSM benefit my child?

Students who participate in regular physical activity and practice healthy eating choices as supported by a quality physical education program:

Experience greater academic achievement;
Develop more positive attitudes towards self and school;
Have increased concentration, improved learning capabilities, enhanced memory and expanded problem-solving skills;
Experience less aggressive behaviour
Are less susceptible to stress
Are healthier and happier

How will TSM benefit my school?

Providing opportunities for student leadership through training in active playground games and fitness activities

Inspiring teachers professional development and networking opportunities

Providing a variety of equipment, a class set of pedometers, a school banner

An opportunity to win national awards

iwalk for TSM - International Walk to School Day

Mission Statement:

Toronto Schools on the Move is an initiative designed to develop a healthy active school environment that empowers Toronto District School Board students to optimize their health by increasing knowledge, enhancing skills and fostering positive attitudes towards healthy active living.