School Health Journal: Promoting Health and Wellness among Students
YVO School Health Journal, created and managed by students, promotes health and wellness within the school community. The journal serves as a platform for students to share knowledge and raise awareness about various health topics, ranging from nutrition and exercise to mental health. Here are the steps involved in the creation and management of the school health journal:
1. Form a Team
We gathered a team of students from 8 high schools who are passionate about health and wellness. The team consists of students with diverse skills, including writing, editing, and design, allowing us to cover all aspects of the journal’s creation.
2. Determine the Purpose and Scope
Each month, the team selects a health-related topic for the journal. Topics can include general health, nutrition, exercise, mental health, or a combination of these. The articles are written by students and are then placed in the school journal box for all students to read.
3. Establish a Plan
The topic changes monthly, with a new subject introduced in the Health Journal box. Responsibilities are divided among the team members, including writing, editing, designing, and promoting the journal. This ensures a smooth workflow and timely production.
4. Set Guidelines
We establish clear rules for article submissions, including formatting and content guidelines, to maintain consistency and quality across the journal.
5. Gather Content
We encourage students and teachers to submit articles, personal stories, and tips related to health and wellness. This fosters a sense of community and involvement, with contributions coming from a wide range of voices.
6. Design and Layout
The journal’s layout is creatively designed using flip charts, colored pencils, and handwriting to make it visually appealing and easy to read. We prioritize aesthetics while ensuring the content is accessible and engaging for all readers.
7. Edit and Proofread
Before finalizing the content, the journal undergoes a thorough editing and proofreading process. The School Health Council reviews each article and encourages peer reviews within the team to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the content.
8. Print or Publish Digitally
Once a year, we collect the best topics from the health journals and publish them digitally as a magazine. This digital version allows us to reach a wider audience and ensures the longevity of valuable health content.
9. Promote and Distribute
We distribute copies of the digital health magazines to students and teachers in middle and high schools. This helps spread awareness and encourages further engagement with health-related topics.
10. Collect Feedback and Improve
We actively seek feedback from readers, encouraging them to suggest improvements for future editions. This feedback is crucial for refining the journal and ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful for the school community