Students at St. John Catholic School in Guelph have been enjoying the great outdoors with brand new mini skis, thanks to a successful Jumpstart campaign secured through efforts from teachers Angelina Navarra and David de Burger.
“We have developed an outstanding partnership with the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program over the years. They have been an incredible support to enable us to create exciting new ways to inspire our students to be active,” said de Burger, primary physical education specialist teacher.
“This year we were able to secure a Jumpstart community development grant to purchase these amazing brand-new skis and snow helmets. We purchased 60 pairs of mini skis and 60 helmets,” adding Navarra, grade 3 teacher.
Initially, the original proposal was for traditional cross-country skis, but due to a shortage of supply the teachers had to get a little creative.
“Through research we found the mini skis which will be more accessible for more students and teach a greater variety of fundamental movement skills,” said de Burger.
The skis will be used in the school’s outdoor physical education program, which is available to all students in grades 2 to 8. Learning and practicing this new skill will help to teach balance, coordination, gliding, and specific skills connected to skiing and skating.
“Ultimately the goal is to further develop a love of being active outdoors,” said Navarra. “This is important for physical health, but critically for mental health as well.”
“Our St. John's goal is ‘to get more Wildcats moving, more often.’ This is even more important during the winter months, and during COVID, when it is so much easier for everyone to just stay inside and choose screen time,” added de Burger.
And so far, the mini skis have been a huge hit with the students.
“We are already hearing comments like ‘this is so FUN!’ shared de Burger. “Hopefully, developing a love of being active outdoors in all seasons will become a lifelong healthy habit for our students.”
In addition to the mini skis purchased this year, students also have access to snowshoes – which were also purchased using a grant from Jumpstart.
“We are proud of our partnership with Jumpstart and the exciting new opportunities they are helping us to create for our Wildcats,” said de Burger.
To follow along with more outdoor education activities, please visit the St. John Catholic School in Guelph’s website and twitter.