Catching the Olympic spirit

Students and staff of Stephenville Primary School donned their best reds and whites last week to show their national pride and Winter Olympic spirit.

Olympic Healthy Commotion Day was organized by the school to allow students the opportunity to learn about the winter games, which opened in Vancouver last Friday.

The celebrations began with a parade of students led by teacher and torchbearer Jill Benoit. The students represented the various countries participating in the games.

Principal Gerald Morgan says the event was a success.

"Our Olympic Healthy Commotion Day went extremely well," he said. "The children participated in various games and activities that are similar to those that will occur at the Olympics, with a focus on trying their best and having fun."

A student versus staff basketball game was held to cap off the days events, but the Olympic fun at the school won't stop there.

"As the games begin, our students will keep track of medals won by the various countries and create tallies, charts, graphs, etc. - an excellent learning opportunity," Mr. Morgan said.

Vice Principal Christine Manuel was one of the event's organizers. She said the children enjoyed learning about the origin of the Olympic Games.

"[They learned about] the athlete's oath, the mascots of the Vancouver Games, and so forth," she said. "They really enjoyed participating in the different events that our physical education teacher, Mr. Hall had set up for them."

Ms. Manuel said one of the benefits of doing days such as the healthy commotion day is it increased the time that children are involved in daily physical activity.

"This is something that we are consciously trying to increase because it supports learning and a healthy lifestyle."

reporter@thegeorgian.ca