Walpole North promotes inclusion and physical activity with PALS program
Walpole North Elementary School is excited to launch a brand new program for its students.
The PALS (Playground Activity Leaders in School) program was officially launched at the May Student Recognition Assembly.
Their goals for this program are to increase physical activity during leisure time, to promote an inclusive community and to provide student leadership opportunities. For all students, it represents a chance to learn new games, have fun, play with students you may not know, and make new friends.
"It will help to make Walpole North a fun and safe place to learn and to experience the PALS motto: 'There is always room for one more'," said Principal Heather Furtney.
Josh Daley, Haldimand Health Promoter from the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit, has been actively involved in bringing this program to the school.
Since December he has introduced and shared the benefits of this program with staff, members of the Parent Council and students.
PALS leaders are Grade 5, 6 and 7 students who applied and were then chosen to be part of this brand new program. They underwent three training sessions where Mr. Daley taught them the activities, how to deal with any conflicts that may occur and how to model that being physically active is fun.
The school also applied for a grant that paid for the supplies that are needed for the activities.