s the Games of the XXVII Olympiad came to an end in Sydney, Australia, students at St. Margaret Mary School began their quest for gold. Our first event was the 5K Terry Fox Run that was held at Immaculata High School.
Not only did grades four, five and six students have a vigorous workout, they also raised over $500 for cancer research.
Our junior girls and boys participated in the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board's (OCCSB) Annual Soccer Tournament. Both teams were enthusiastic and demonstrated excellent team spirit. Congratulations to our Girls' Soccer Team who placed first in the Eastern Division and will compete in the OCCSB soccer finals later this month.
For the past few weeks, some of our junior students have been getting up early and practicing at Windsor Park in order to prepare for and represent our school at the OCCSB Annual Cross-Country running event.
This year the grades five and six students will experience and learn about the ancient art of Dragon Boat Racing. Under the guidance of qualified instructors from the Rideau Canoe Club, the students will learn basic Dragon Boat strokes and will be part of a twenty-person Dragon Boat crew.
As winter approaches, students will skate at the Brewer Arena. In the spring, the students will participate in the swimming program at the Brewer Swimming Pool.
Our school's goal this year is to develop a Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) program where every student will have the opportunity to participate in regular physical activities. Students will not only have an opportunity to participate as an individual competitor, but to participate as a member of a team.
We hope to provide positive experiences, regular physical activity, a varied program and provide relevant, consistent health messages/information to contribute to students engaging in life-long physical activity and making healthy life-style choices.
In order to evaluate our physical education program, the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board is currently conducting a review of its physical education and health programs to ensure all schools in our board are providing a quality program aimed at meeting the needs of its students.
We hope to keep the spirit of the Sydney Games alive by encouraging each student to reach the pinnacle of her/his abilities. If you would like to learn more about our school, please visit our website www.occdsb.on.ca/~smm or contact the school at 730-9328.