SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
Everything you need to bring Joy in Action to your school.
Joy in Action Schools is designed to be easy for schools to take part in.
One school staff member or designated representative registers on behalf of the school. Students do not register individually, and participation is completely free.
Once your school registers, you’ll receive a Joy in Action School Toolkit with ready-to-use materials to help you plan and promote your June Walk/Run/Cycle.
YOUR JOY IN ACTION SCHOOL TOOLKIT
Your toolkit will include:
EVENT PLANNING
School Organizer Guide
A simple step-by-step guide to planning your Joy in Action Walk/Run/Cycle.
Event Day Checklist
What to have ready before your event and on the day itself.
Route & Accessibility Guide
Tips for choosing a safe, inclusive route and making participation possible for students with different abilities.
Sample Event Timeline
A suggested schedule that can be adapted for a class, grade group or whole-school event.
SHARE IT WITH YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Parent & Caregiver Letter
Ready-to-use information explaining Joy in Action Schools and your school’s event.
School Newsletter Copy
Copy for your newsletter, school website or parent communications.
Morning Announcement Scripts
Ready-to-read announcements to introduce Joy in Action and build excitement leading up to your event.
BRING JOY IN ACTION INTO THE CLASSROOM
The Walk/Run/Cycle is only the starting point.
Joy in Action Students gives teachers an easy way to use Joy in Action week to start conversations about overall wellness.
The student site is built around four areas:
MOVE — physical health and movement
FEEL — mental health and emotional well-being
CONNECT — friendships, relationships, belonging and support
STAY SAFE — boundaries, online safety and knowing how to get help
Each area includes a short student-friendly introduction, practical activities and challenges, and links to credible Canadian resources.
Teachers can use an activity with the whole class, connect activities to the Walk/Run/Cycle before, during or after the event, or direct students to explore the site independently at school or at home.
The goal isn’t to create another curriculum.
It’s to give schools simple ways to start conversations and connect students with trusted resources that already exist.
Well kids are safer kids.
Supporting physical health, mental wellness, healthy relationships, belonging, boundaries and help-seeking skills all contribute to stronger, safer young people.
[VISIT JOY IN ACTION STUDENTS]
MAKE JOY IN ACTION YOUR OWN
Every school is different.
Add music. Wear school colours. Make signs. Bring out the bubbles. Invite classes to cheer for one another. Create your own traditions.
Schools choose their own route and distance and can include walking, running, cycling and wheeling in whatever way works best for their students.
There is no timing and no required distance.
Get moving. Have fun. Do it together.
EDUCATION & RESOURCES FOR ADULTS
The Joy Smith Foundation also provides education and resources for adults who work with young people, including information about online safety, warning signs, human trafficking prevention and supporting young people who may be at risk.
These resources are intended for educators and other adults, while Joy in Action Students keeps the student experience focused on wellness, connection, boundaries and safety.
[EXPLORE JOY SMITH FOUNDATION EDUCATION & RESOURCES]
AFTER YOUR EVENT
After your Walk/Run/Cycle, we’ll ask your school to share its actual number of participating students.
This helps us measure the reach of Joy in Action Schools across Canada and celebrate the schools taking part.
Your school can also be featured on our School Hero Board.
Ready to bring Joy in Action to your school?
Register your school and we’ll send you everything you need to get started.
