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Hockey Day in Cardinal 2011
Benson Public School Students Experience Annual Hockey Day in Cardinal Event
 (Pictured above: Benson Public School students were taught how to skate on Monday by parents, teachers and hockey players from the South Grenville District High School Giants hockey team and the Brockville Braves.)
(Cardinal) – The students at Benson Public School took part in a full day of hockey fun and learning during the school’s annual Hockey Day in Cardinal event yesterday.
Students spent the morning participating in interesting science, literacy and character education-based activities that were all connected to Canada’s game. Students from the South Grenville District High School (SGDHS) Giants hockey team, as well as team members from the Brockville Braves led groups of students in activities and taught them how to skate.
“Look at this combination of kids,” said Vice-Principal Hedy Gutman. “We have kindergarten students to grade 12 students learning and engaged. It’s amazing what they’re doing together.”
Benson students had a chance to participate in skating skills and free skating activities during the event thanks to funding for hockey helmets from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program and the Child and Youth Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville. Gutman said the Cardinal community has also donated many pairs of skates.
“The Brockville Braves not only provided the school with funds, but they gave us confidence and encouragement,” said Gutman. “They spent time with the Benson and SGDHS students, as they played on the ice and showed the students how to skate.”
In addition, the Benson library has had a boost in sports and hockey books. Gutman said grade 6 science curriculum materials were purchased as a result of the support given. Casco pitched in with a generous contribution of lunch for all, which was distributed by members of the Benson Parent Council.
Throughout the morning, students rotated through age-appropriate activities at the school or at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The activities included shared reading time with the Braves and Giants team members, a hockey-themed writing activity, a lesson on the science of hockey, an anti-bullying activity, free skate time and more. After lunch, which was prepared by the Benson Parent Council, students, parents and staff were invited to watch a “Celebrity Hockey Game” with the Braves playing the Giants.
Gutman said SGDHS teacher Jason Sloan has always been a tremendous advocate of the day.
“He thought it would be a great way to create a bridge between the two schools since Benson is a key feeder school to SGDHS,” she said.
“It puts our kids in a unique role modeling opportunity,” said Sloan. “It’s just one more hook for Benson students to see the positive role models at SGDHS.”
Giants team member and grade 10 student Jody Sullivan said he enjoys helping out during Hockey Day because he remembers how much fun it was to take part as a Benson student.
“I was in grade 7 or 8 when it started and I remember having fun,” he said. “Many students haven’t skated before so it’s a good chance to get out on the ice and it’s a fun sport. I hope they learn how to skate and stay with it.”
SGDHS teacher Richard Chellew and Benson teacher Clayton Barkley, as well as Braves and Giants team members led students in an activity where they learned about circuits and how to wire goal lights and buzzers.
“This activity meets the curriculum and has a hockey spin,” said Chellew. “It’s something they can enjoy to learn and it’s Canada’s game.
“I also feel Benson’s Parent Council needs to get some credit because they are so supportive and have helped out every year.”
“A lot of good things have come from this event,” he said.
Braves teammates Kyle Armstrong and Adam Strumas thought the day offered many great opportunities for students.
“This helps make learning interesting and fun,” said Strumas. “It’s a way to learn while involving hockey.”
“In hockey, you work as a team and that’s what we’re doing here today during these activities,” said Armstrong. “It’s a good experience.”
Benson students were excited about participating in the activities with helpful mentors.
“We’re learning a lot,” said grade 4 student Montana Merkley. “It’s fun because there are teenagers here to help out and they’re really nice. We also get to learn how to control a puck and hold a hockey stick.”
Grade 6 student Brandy MacDonald summed up the experience in a simple statement.
“It’s going to be an epic, awesome day,” she said.
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For more information please call:
Hedy Gutman
Vice-Principal
Benson Public School
613-657-3095
Posted February 13, 2011
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