As we move through the first quarter of the school year, our High School Physical Education program has been full of energy, engagement, and growth. Students across grade levels are not only building skills but also gaining a deeper appreciation for how movement connects to confidence, safety, and personal well-being.  

In our Grade 9 PHE classes the students have jumped right into our Life Saving Skills and Water Safety Unit. They’ve been learning the importance of why each technique is required in their toolbox for the unlikely situation they even need to save a life. Each assist, surface dive, and pool side rescue has been a new learning experience. Students have also been provided the opportunity to explore choice in the learning via station that cover learning more advanced treading water techniques, improving their stroke development, and reviewing the prior content. For many of our students this unit continues to be an opportunity to develop more confidence, communication skills, and awareness for safety around water. 

It has been wonderful to see students in our Team Sports PE class step into leadership roles and experience what it is like to instruct their classmates. During our “Teamwork on the Court” unit, students are playing floor hockey and taking responsibility for specific roles within their teams. 

The Spirit Officer leads team morale, while the Trainer focuses on preparing the team’s bodies for sport. The Skill Developer works on building skills within floor hockey, and the Strategist plans game strategy, including effective offensive and defensive play. 

This is our initial year with second-year students, so they have also taken on the role of Team Manager. They help teammates stay on top of their role duties, make sure everyone is prepared, and provide feedback on the drills and activities planned by the other role-holders. When their team plays, they also step into a coaching role. 

One moment that has made the department especially proud is watching students bring their plans to life during the five-minute practice sessions they lead with their teams. They are learning what it means to be prepared, command the room, and plan effectively within the time they have. 

With more choice now available to upperclassmen through PE choice, the Team Sports classes have become quite competitive with each other. It has been so much fun to see them compete with such enthusiasm while still having a great time. we're looking forward to the final tournament where they will play with their teams at the end of the unit. 

We hope students carry the teamwork and leadership skills they are practicing into future classes, sports, and group projects—being prepared, communicating clearly, and helping others succeed. 

Across all of our courses, the HS PHE department is proud of how our students are engaging with purpose and building habits that will serve them well beyond the gyms and pool.