Hi Joyce,

There is alot of information on building schools as communities to improve
health outcomes of the local population. The NSW families first initiative
is based on this www.nsw.heath.gov.au. Also building a sense of
connectedness to schools in children and adolescents is seen as a protective
factor against risk behaviour , mental health illnesses/youth suicide (The
Gatehouse Project, Victoria; National Mental Health Strategy 2000,
Australia).

Hope this helps,

Tania

----- Original Message -----
From: JFox <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 1:58 AM
Subject: After school activity and academic achievement


Our local school board is debating a significant increase in fees for use of
school facilities after hours.  This change will have a significant negative
impact on community run groups such as scouts and sports such as basketball
leagues, all of which run on minimal budget and are offered at no or low
cost to the community.

I plan to write to the school board trustees about this.  Is anyone aware of
any support for the importance of involvement in after school organized
activities for children and youth in particular, and a positive influence on
academic achievement?
Joyce Fox