Keeping our community safe from vapes
Did you know that in NSW, it is illegal to sell vapes (e-cigarettes) outside of a pharmacy setting?
Vapes may only be supplied by authorised p...
Healthy High Schools
Free resources and programs to support secondary school staff, students and their families.
Healthy High Schools on the Central Coast
Healthy High Schools promotes the health and wellbeing of young people aged 12–18 in local secondary schools by using a whole-of-school approach to encourage healthy eating, adequate hydration and physical activity.
We provide students and teachers with relevant resources, information, professional development and support to implement programs that promote healthy behaviours. Programs like Physical Activity for Everyone, Thirsty? Choose Water!, and Break the Stigma help young people to adopt healthy behaviours such as drinking more water and being physically active, while avoiding behaviours like vaping and eating habits that don’t support their wellbeing.
Wellbeing at High School
Supporting young people through high school is a shared priority for families, teachers and the wider school community. Here you’ll find practical, trustworthy resource for families, carers and kin to support young people through high school and adolescence.
Physical activity for everyone (PA4E1)
PA4E1 is an evidence-based, whole-school program designed to enhance student health and wellbeing. PA4E1 involves the implementation of seven physical activity practices that have shown through research to significantly improve students’ physical activity levels and overall health.
It’s easy to implement and local schools who are already implementing PA4E1 are seeing stronger engagement, more active students, and a shift in school culture.
Participating students average 49 additional minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week.
Check out how some of our local schools have adopted PA4E1.
PA4E1 has had a hugely positive impact on Wadalba Community School. It has helped get more students active and engaged in physical activity, created stronger connections with our local community, and opened up valuable opportunities for all involved. The equipment provided through RT4Teens has been a game-changer, allowing us to deliver high-quality, inclusive fitness sessions. Overall, the program has been incredibly worthwhile and has made a real difference to student wellbeing and school culture.
Kaelan Burke, PA4E1 School Champion, Wadalba Community School
Professional learning workshops
Moving together
Join us for a FREE day of Professional learning. A local event available for primary and secondary teachers on the Central Coast with a focus on disability and inclusion.
Check out the recap from the 2025 workshop.
Friday 6 November (Week 4, Term 4)
Gosford Regional Library
Physical Activity for Everyone (PA4E1)
This workshop is hosted for secondary school teachers who want to implement PA4E1. Teachers will also receive training and access to the 8-week practical and theory program, Resistance training for teens. This includes equipment valued at over $1000.
Friday 14 August (Week 4, Term 3)
Newcastle (venue TBC)
Canteen Network
We also offer regular meetings for canteen managers as part of our Canteen Network.
You can find details on these on our Healthy School Canteens page.
Coming soon: Break the Stigma
A supportive school approach to youth vaping
Break the STIGma is a free, wellbeing‑focused initiative designed to help schools support students who are vaping or experiencing nicotine dependence. Developed by Central Coast Local Health District in partnership with local schools.
For further information about youth vaping and alcohol resources for schools, you can access the Youth Vaping and Alcohol: a school resource guide.
Communication resources for schools
Consistent communication with families reinforces positive habits at home, while trusted school channels help shape social norms, reduce barriers, and build support for healthier lifestyles.
Below is a collection of ready‑to‑use media and are designed for schools to copy, paste, and share as needed.
Download and share these social tiles. Share them on your socials and in any other communications materials with families. Click the button below to download the social tiles and suggested text.
Healthy habits
Young people need to stay hydrated during physical activity
Regular physical activity can improve overall wellbeing
Support for families
Thirsty? Choose Water!
Thirsty? Choose Water! is an initiative by Central Coast Health Promotion Service that encourages students, teachers and community to choose water over sugary drinks. Plain water – whether from the tap, fridge or a chilled water station – is a great drink choice. It’s readily available, healthy and the ideal way to quench your thirst.
Check out the Thirsty? Choose Water! website for more resources and information for teachers, students, parents and carers, plus check out how schools got involved in the Thirsty? Choose Water! Challenge in 2024.
Resources are currently being updated to align with the new PDHPE syllabus (ready for implementation in 2027). Sign up for the newsletter to hear when they are released [link to HHS newsletter sign up]
“I would strongly encourage other schools to participate in the Thirsty? Choose Water! Challenge. The program offers a wide variety of resources and activities which seamlessly integrate with various subjects, making it an enriching learning experience for both students and teachers”
Donna Livingston, Support Unit teacher, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus
“The Thirsty? Choose Water! Challenge created a ripple effect of positive change, enhancing engagement, promoting healthier habits, and fostering a supportive, health-conscious environment.”
Samantha Hutchinson, PDHPE teacher, Wadalba Community School
“The Thirsty? Choose Water! program made it fun and sparked lots of conversations about healthy choices during recess and lunch. It helped kids learn about being healthy outside the classroom.”
Head Teacher PDHPE Jackie Morrison, Narara Valley High School
“Our students have really embraced the new water chiller. It is conveniently located for them and gets plenty of use. It’s great to see them drinking more water.”
Principal Andrew Skehan, Narara Valley High School
Resources
FREE resources to hire
Central Coast Schools Health Week
Health Promoting Schools calendar
Healthy High School e-updates
Contact us
Other pages you might be interested in
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