Are you passionate about quality Physical and Health Education (PHE), promoting daily physical activity, cultivating healthy school communities, and supporting student and teacher well-being? Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with the PHE community?
Join a growing network of student leaders across Canada—the PHE Canada Student Chapters!
PHE Canada Student Chapters (PHECSC) create a platform for pre-service teachers to develop and strengthen their leadership skills, professional portfolios, and advocacy mindset as the next generation of PHE leaders and champions. As a pre-service educator, you are on an invaluable journey for making a positive impact on the thousands of lives of children and youth—and PHE Canada wants to support you every step of the way during your studies, practicums, and growth as early-career professionals!
As a PHECSC member, you will:
- Develop a strong network of peers, faculty, staff, and PHE leaders and champions who will support you throughout your academic and professional career
- Discover and hone skills to boost your confidence, competence, and capacity, improving your ability to communicate, advocate, think critically, organize, and manage events
- Organize and participate in campus initiatives and leadership opportunities that boost your resume
- Experience a sense of belonging by bonding with like-minded individuals and connecting with provincial/territorial PHE teacher associations, mentors, and champions
- Share all the benefits of the PHE Canada Professional and Research Council Memberships for the duration of your studies
Ready to Make a Difference?
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What do Student Chapter members have to say about their experience?
"Being the President of the UBC PHE Canada Student Chapter gave me the chance to connect with an amazing network of educators across Canada. Through this network, I gained mentorship, collaboration, and insights that have been invaluable to my professional journey." - Liam Worsley, University of British Columbia (UBC), PHECSC President (2024-2025)
"As President of the UVic student chapter in its inaugural year, I experienced growth and new adventures. This leadership role shaped my teacher identity by pushing me to step outside my comfort zone, build connections, and create opportunities to showcase Physical and Health Education on the Island. I highly recommend getting involved in your school’s student chapter or starting one yourself. It’s an incredible way to develop leadership skills, access unique teaching opportunities, and contribute to something meaningful." - Macie Chapman, University of Victoria (UVic), President (2024-2026)
"Being a part of the StFX PHE chapter has allowed me to learn how to bring Physical and Health Education into the classroom. I have gained knowledge and resources on how to promote healthy and active living for my future students without being in the physical education stream. It's a valuable network for all pre-service teachers to be a part of!" - Alyssa Goodine, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Secretary (2025-2026)
"Being part of the UVic Student Chapter supported my professional growth by giving me opportunities to take on leadership roles, organize events, and collaborate with peers, which strengthened my confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also shaped my teacher identity by connecting me with mentors and colleagues who share the same passion for education, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning. These experiences helped me feel more prepared for graduation and my career by providing practical skills, networking opportunities, and real-world insights that built on what I learned in the classroom. I would encourage others to get involved because joining a Student Chapter not only enhances your university experience but also helps you build valuable connections, develop leadership skills, and enter your profession with greater confidence." - Ethan Fagrie, University of Victoria (UVic), Secretary (2024-2026)
"As a student going through my undergraduate and pre-service education, joining the BrockU PHE Canada Student Chapter has given me opportunities to connect with a group of others who are like-minded and dedicated to improving themselves as physical educators. This chapter has significantly increased my growth both as an individual and as a prospective educator through mentorship, networking, and the sharing of resources, to list a few examples." - Braeden Powell, Brock University (BU), Vice-President (2025-2026)
"Being part of the Ontario Tech Student Chapter of PHE Canada has been pivotal in shaping my growth as both an advocate and educator. This experience strengthened my leadership and communication skills while connecting me with mentors across Canada who supported the development of my teaching philosophies. By engaging with meaningful topics, challenges and pedagogies within PHE, I was able to build my identity as an HPE teacher through powerful experiential learning that made me more confident and effective as a new teacher. The chapter also expanded my professional network and created lasting friendships, reminding me that I am not in this work alone. It truly takes a unique community like the PHE Student Chapters to cultivate, support, and sustain great HPE teachers." - Danielle Bates, Ontario Tech University (OTU), President (2022-2023)
"As Co-President of the StFx PHE Student Chapter I have gained the confidence needed to become a leader in my future role as a Physical Educator. I have been given the opportunity to take my colleagues' feedback and provide them with resources that they have expressed to be important for their development, while also developing myself. Through ample professional development opportunities, I have also been able to network and learn from other professionals in the field. Being a part of my Student Chapter has inspired me to advocate for the change needed so that educators can feel confident and competent in administering Physical Health Education to their students." - Catherine Mesich, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Co-President (2025-2026)
"Being a part of the BrockU PHE Canada Student Chapter has provided me with amazing opportunities to form my teaching identity through collaborating with peers and connecting with current physical educators who are open to sharing their strategies for promoting physical and health education in engaging ways. My role as Co-President of BrockU PHE Canada Student Chapter has also helped me take on a leadership role within my program and showcase the amazing resources, networking, and mentorship that PHE Canada provides to my future colleagues!" - Rebecca White, Brock University (BU), President (2025-2026)
"Serving as the President of the Nipissing University Student Chapter has been an incredibly transformative experience. Having the opportunity to learn and grow through PHE Canada has been a great privilege. This role has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, strengthen my communication skills, and lead with purpose and empathy. Collaborating with peers, organizing events, and advocating for student voices have all contributed to shaping me into a more confident and capable leader. I'm grateful for the chance to serve, grow, and make a meaningful impact in our campus community." - Lindsay MacMillan, Nipissing University (NU), President (2024-2026)
"Being a part of the Student Chapter at Ontario Tech University, has been such an inspiring part of my journey into teaching. I’ve met amazing mentors, teachers, and fellow students who’ve shown me what creative, high-quality physical and health education can really look like. Seeing new ideas in action has motivated me to challenge old assumptions and try fresh approaches in my own practice. Along the way, I’ve grown more confident as a leader and as someone who can speak up for the value of physical education and healthy learning spaces. I highly recommend joining a PHE Student Chapter, as it provides a lifelong support network for growth, collaboration, and professional learning." - Haleigh Meech, Ontario Tech University (OTU), Co-President (2025-2026)
"As a student going into the 16-month education program at Acadia University, I was looking for ways to get my foot in the door, make those connections that support our journey through the education systems as new teachers and learn about what isn't necessarily taught in our classes. With the PHE Student Chapter at my institution, we were diving into the experience together, being our first year having a student chapter, with a small, but mighty and determined group of executive members looking to create spaces for all education students to learn and develop skills around physical and health education. I could not have asked for a more supportive organization, built from others with the same passions as my team and I, willing to teach and guide us to success. I am now a full-time teacher and owe my confidence in the classroom and gymnasium to the culture PHE Canada creates through their mentorship and student-chapter programs." - Bailey Marnitz, Acadia University (AU), Secretary
"When I think back on my BEd at St. FX, my involvement with the PHE Canada Student Chapter stands out as one of the most meaningful experiences. From its grassroots beginnings with just six dedicated executives to the thriving group it is today, being part of that growth was both exciting and rewarding. Along the way, I developed leadership skills through planning events, managing budgets, and collaborating with peers, all of which helped prepare me for the realities of teaching. Most importantly, the chapter connected me to a supportive network of educators across Canada—ranging from fellow new teachers to experienced mentors—who continue to shape my practice. I am deeply grateful for the friendships, connections, and opportunities this journey has provided." - Katherine Waterbury, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), President (2022-2023)
To learn more and get involved with this rapidly growing community of practice, email [email protected]

