ABSTRACT
Health-promoting schools endeavour to support the conditions that enhance both students’ and teachers’ learning prospects, in cooperation with a range of other service providers. The health-promoting school is founded on democratic principles conducive to the promotion of learning, personal and social development, and health. The health-promoting school places emphasis on the school environment, both physical and social, as a crucial factor in promoting and sustaining health. Parents and the school community have a vital role to play in leading, supporting and reinforcing the concept of school health promotion. All levels of government must commit resources to health promotion in schools. This investment will contribute to the long-term, sustainable development of the wider community. In return, communities will increasingly become a resource for their schools. The Australian Health Promoting Schools Association (AHPSA) was established in 1994 through the Australian Association for Healthy School Communities and the Network for Healthy School Communities.
