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UCDSB Students Experience School Olympics
UCDSB Students Experience School Olympics
Posted on 02/11/2022
Students participating in school Olympic events.

February 11, 2022 - In the spirit of the 2022 Winter Olympics taking place in Beijing, China, schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are holding their own Olympics.  

These school Olympic games are more than just students having fun. There are educational connections to the curriculum, in addition to benefits for student mental health and re-engagement. 

One school that is hosting events is Pineview Public School in Athens. Teacher and organizer of the school’s Olympics Keira Robertson-Long said the idea behind holding the games was to get the students excited and to get them active. Pineview hockey shootout.

“The games have allowed for students to have that level of friendly competition,” she shared. “I think that it's important for mental health, as well to their physical health. Plus, educationally, these games can easily fit into any part of the physical education curriculum.”   

“It’s very nice to see my classmates working together and having fun,” said Grade 4 student Declan Smith. 

Pineview students earn medalsThe school’s opening ceremonies took place on February 4 with students partaking in a torch relay. Lined up in the hallway with their respective classes, students carried the student-created torch to the office to officially begin the games. 

Helping open the games was special guest Superintendent Marsha McNair. 

“It was so great to be part of this event,” said McNair. “The energy in the school was electric and the kids were having so much fun. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the games progress and wish all students across the district the best of luck.”  

Each classroom is assigned to a country. Students, along with their teacher created and decked out their classroom doors with their respective country’s flag and medals earned by the class. As each event wraps up, the tally of medals for the respective classes is also posted in the office for all to see. 

Pineview students decorate doors for Olympics.The events students are participating in include basketball, hockey shootout, snow stacking, running, and turbo javelin.  

Once all events are complete, the school’s closing ceremonies will have a special twist. The top three placing classes will compete in a minute-to-win-it competition to see who can land the most cheezies on the whipped cream heads of their principal, office administrator, and selected teacher. 

Pineview students decorate doors for Olympics“The school Olympics are great,” said Grade 6 student Lucas Peterson. “We’re able to have extra phys-ed time and participate in cool events. You're actually doing the events and not just watching it.” For Lucas, his favourite event so far has been the snow stacking.  

“I am so proud of our students,” said Principal Chris Boston. “Seeing how excited they are each day to learn and participate is incredible. Each class has really embodied the Olympic spirit and promoted a great deal of school spirit. A huge Panther thank you goes out to Keira Robertson-Long who has put in so much time and effort to organize these games.” 

Until February 18, students will start their school day with the national anthem, updating of each country’s medal count and sharing on the announcements, followed by the presentation of medals to students. 

South Crosby Winter Olympics.“I'm learning that you should always be positive and cheer for other people,” says Rory Riggle, who’s on Team Belgium for the school games. 

Rory’s favourite event is the hockey shootout because his goal is to be a professional hockey player when he grows up.  

“My favourite event so far has been basketball because it’s really fun,” says Avery Kerr, a Belgium teammate. “Gym is my favourite subject in school because we get to have fun and be active.” 

Avery says she looks up to Canadian Olympian Andre De Grasse because of his athleticism and speed.  School Olympic games.

“I had a couple of kids that are going to be away and said, ‘oh, please make sure that you don't have the finals while I'm gone. Please just wait, I can't wait for it,’” said Robertson-Long. “They're really excited. It’s a really positive spin on the learning experience.” 

Pineview Public School is not the only UCDSB school participating in Olympic-themed games. Bridgewood Public School and Viscount Alexander Public School in Cornwall, Iroquois Public School in Iroquois, and South Crosby Public School in Elgin, are just a few examples.  

For media inquiries, please contact:    

April Scott-Clarke   
Manager of Communications   
Upper Canada District School Board   
[email protected]   

 

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