13 TIPS AND IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY IN YOUR SCHOOL

Written by Sissy Thiessen, Resiliency Coordinator, Ever Active Schools Every year on June 21, schools all across the nation take the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture, history and contributions for National Indigenous Peoples Day. A way that many schools commemorate this special day is by hosting school-wide activities and celebrations. Many Alberta school jurisdictions have…

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COPPERFIELD SCHOOL – WALKING SCHOOL BUS LAUNCH

  Written by: Tracey Coutts, Active School Travel Coordinator, Ever Active Schools SHAPE’S WALKING SCHOOL BUS MASCOT HAS FOUND A NEW HOME IN CALGARY’S COPPERFIELD SCHOOL! On Monday, April 9, 2018, over 50 students, families, school administrators, staff, and other important guests gathered for the launch of the school’s Walking School Bus initiative. This initiative…

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PROJECT PROFILE: MIYOMAHCHIHOWIN “IN GOOD HEALTH”

Written by: Mac Walton, Resiliency Coordinator, Ever Active Schools  In 2016-17, Ever Active Schools received funding from the Urban Partnerships program to launch the Miyomahchihowin project, which means “in good health” in Cree. The project provided pathways for 30 Indigenous youth to build personal skills and access employment or volunteer opportunities in the areas of…

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HOW TO START A YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM IN YOUR SCHOOL

Submitted by Michael Janz (@michaeljanz), Alberta Mentoring Partnership This week, in recognition of #MentoringMonth, we’re pleased to feature a guest post from Michael Janz, partnership engagement coordinator with the Alberta Mentoring Partnership. DID YOU KNOW THAT 80 PER CENT OF ALBERTANS AGES 18-24 WISH THEY’D HAD A MENTOR WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER? January 25th is…

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INNOVATIVE IDEA: 12 HEALTHY DAYS

  Idea submitted by Brenda Bowman, Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools We received this awesome idea from Brenda! This innovative idea can be modified to be non-denominational, implemented throughout the year and modified to cater to limited mobility. What’s your focus? Active Living What’s your idea and how have you implemented it? 12 Healthy…

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KEEPING STUDENTS ACTIVE ALL WINTER LONG

Written by: Stephanie Shantz, Media Coordinator, Ever Active Schools From cold snaps and snowstorms to sunny days and perfect, snowman-making snow, living through an Alberta winter means being prepared for almost anything. And when winter weather sets in, children tend to spend more time inside: recesses get cancelled, playgrounds become deserted and the urge to…

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ACTIVE SCHOOL TRAVEL IN THE COLDER MONTHS

Written by Tracey Coutts, Active School Travel Coordinator, Ever Active Schools For me, winter walks always bring to mind Ezra Jack Keats’ beautiful story, The Snowy Day, about a young boy, Peter, who explores his neighbourhood after the first snowfall of the season. Idyllic, peaceful, magical. O.K., LET ME RE-THINK THAT. Winter walking in Alberta…

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RESILIENCY SUMMIT 2017: HONOURING YOUTH VOICE

  Written by Margaux McWatt, Communications Coordinator, Ever Active Schools You can faintly smell traces of burnt sage in the air, and the crisp and fresh aroma of the outdoors during winter, emanating from those just entering the building. Laughter and boots packing down snow can be heard close, and echoing outdoors. Smiling faces greet…

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GO! RUN: CLOSING THE GENDER GAP IN GIRLS PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Written by Margaux McWatt, Communications Coordinator, Ever Active Schools Consistent participation in physical activity has so many benefits: it boosts your self-esteem and confidence; improves your overall health, well-being and academic performance; as well as gives you the opportunity and the inclination to learn new skills.*1 But, girls don’t always get these benefits. According to several…

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