Did you know that keeping children active ...
-- enhances positive attitudes about school, physical activity and self-esteem
-- refreshes their minds, reduces fatigue and increases energy
-- can reduce elevated blood fats or blood pressure and improves digestion and elimination
-- strengthens bones and relieves stress and tension
-- increases the number of calories you expend and helps you feel good about your body
-- when combined with healthy eating, will help you maintain a healthy weight and a positive body image
-- increases the body's demand for oxygen and trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more efficiently
-- provides an enjoyable time for sharing and socializing with others
For all these reasons, throughout the week days Robert Smith School offers many options for physical activity through our physical education program and extra-curricular activities. At the same time, we also recommend that our students find opportunities to stay active when they are out of school -- during the week ends and holidays. A great way to have fun and build a sense of belonging is to access sports by joining fitness clubs or sports teams in the community. In the Selkirk area there are a wide range of clubs that offer organized sports that children can join. Many children do sign up for individual athletic activities and team sports, but sometimes the cost for registration fees can be to0 great. If this is the case for your family, you may be interested in learning more about Jumpstart and KidSport and the ways these organization assist families to access sports by removing financial barriers.
Throughout the school year, I will be setting aside time to assist students (with the approval of their parents and / or guardians) to access after school recreational and sports programs in the community through KidSport, Canadian Tire Jumpstart and the Selkirk & District Community Youth Fund. If you would like to learn more about the programs that are available to children in the community, the funding options, and the eligibility criteria, or if you would like assistance preparing your child’s application, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], by telephone at 204-482-3677 Extension 206, by email at [email protected] or by making an appointment to come and see me in person at the guidance office at Robert Smith School.
Sports and recreation activities are a great way for children to develop skills, self-esteem, friendships, community connections and better health – all of which contributes to better outcomes in school. Participating in clubs and teams often helps them to fulfill needs for fun, belonging, power and even freedom. So if you think that you might like to learn more about sports and funding opportunities that are available in the Selkirk area, feel free to contact me and / or the take a glance at the websites listed below.
You can go to www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart to learn more about Jumpstart.
You can go to www.kidsportcanada.ca to learn more about KidSport or call the toll free number at 1-866-774-2220.
To learn more about sports activities that are offered in the Selkirk area you can call 204-785-4952 or you can go to
http://myselkirk.ca/sports-recreation/city-programs/.