School gives thanks to teacher

Radhika Verma loves gym class.

The Grade 3 Stephenville Primary School student says her teacher, Gerald Hall, is part of the reason why.

"He makes it fun and exciting for kids with exciting activities," she says. "He makes it so children can learn properly."

Radhika began playing basketball in gym class this year and even signed up to spend extra time at the school after classes to learn more with basketball intramurals.

"I really enjoy it," she says.

Ms. Verma and the other students at the primary school have benefited under the physical education and tutelage provided by Gerald Hall, according to Madeline St. Croix, president of the school's parents council.

Ms. St. Croix says Mr. Hall goes above and beyond what parents expect from any teacher - offering after school programs in several sports and even organizing tournaments for children to participate in on weekends.

The council recently presented Mr. Hall with a gift of appreciation for what Ms. St. Croix says is his great efforts as a teacher.

Primary School Principal Gerald Morgan says he has also heard many great things from parents about Mr. Hall's dedication to student sport.

"We have countless parents who come in and drop by and mention the program and how pleased they are with it and what their children are learning about sports," he says.

He says Mr. Hall has helped to bring a whole new level of sport awareness to the student population.

"It's the first time at the primary level that we've had this type of sports activity and the children are absolutely pleased and happy about the program," he says, adding there were at least 50 or 60 students signed up for each of the four after school programs - soccer, floor hockey, wrestling and basketball.

In addition, Mr. Morgan says Mr. Hall provides recess and lunchtime sports.

"Gerald basically takes no breaks throughout the day," he says.

Mr. Hall says he believes our changing lifestyles make it important to provide sport activity for young children now than maybe ever before.

"Studies have shown that obesity and juvenile diabetes is on the increase and it's just a lifestyle," he says.

"Most of our kids now spend too much time playing on computers and playing their personal small games that they play ... so if I can get them off their seats and out running around playing it's more fun."

He says he's always had the philosophy if you start children young to develop sport skills, then as they get older you don't have to reteach them.

"They have the skills and they strengthen them. It lasts them through their whole lifetime. Its just good habits. That's what its all about."

Mr. Hall previously taught in Lourdes for 25 years before moving to Stephenville Primary two years ago. A hockey referee since 1966, he was recently honoured with the Ray Bowe Award of Merit at Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador's annual general meeting in Gander.