Place based learning is at the heart of the Physical Education program at Elkford Secondary School.

This enriched program works to support the interests of students as well as exploring and introducing students to new local active living activity opportunities within their community’s landscape. The goal is to not just have students be active within the ‘classroom’ (gymnasium), but also to learn how to be active within their community.

With these varied activities, adventures and experiences, students are able to test their grit, resilience, decision making and courage; as well as develop their physical strength and knowledge of local healthy living activities. Students are creating confidence in themselves, knowledge, and an ability to try new and difficult things.

This focus of place-based learning, moving outside the classroom and supporting the development of active healthy future citizens would not be possible without the gracious support of the Elkford community.

This winter has seen an upswing of individuals hearing the call for support and stepping in.

Kelsey Hills and Tony Heather saw that PE student were interested in boxing, they immediately purchased a whole new boxing set up, so students could learn about and experience the fitness of boxing.

The PE 8 class was short a chaperone for an epic cross country ski adventure, and two wonderful humans (Colleen and Frank Trosso) heard the call and volunteered immediately to break trail and support the students in the back of the pack (these two went far and beyond expectations).

Financial support from The United Steel Workers, Lions Club, Sparwood Elk Valley Thrift Shop, Bears Paw Contracting, ESS PAC have all graciously helped the program grow and allow PE students these opportunities to be as inclusive and low cost/no cost as possible.

Stepping outside of the immediate community, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Arq Climbing gym (Cranbrook) have both wildly reduced costs so students can try these lifelong recreational pursuits. Avalanche Canada even sent an instructor out to Elkford and introduced avalanche safety in the back country, for all PE students at no cost.

This diverse support that students are receiving from this amazing community, is allowing this PE program to grow and support students in an array of ways.

It has been an absolute pleasure to see students grow in strength and confidence as well as try activities they would not have otherwise consider until they had tried them. It has been heart warming to see and feel the support from the Elkford community in the enrichment of learning and experiences for their local students and future healthy Canadian citizens.

Great hustle everyone and thank you, Mr. Gulyas.

Photos submitted

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