It’s been four years since the Bruce Grey Catholic School District Board implemented the peaceful playgrounds program now called Spirits in Motion.
And over that time schools have noticed some very positive changes.
Recess is a much happier time for many students thanks to the Spirits in Motion program.
The program provides a handful of older students in each school with special training equipping them with the skills needed to serve as leaders on the playground.
Student leader Matthew Borth says it’s all about older students helping younger students.
He says the student leaders patrol the playground ensuring no one is being left out or picked on.
Borth says the student leaders are charged with the task of training other students in many non competitive inclusive games.
He says it’s a great way to promote physical activity and cut down on school yard bullying.
School Board Social Worker Anne-Marie Deas agrees.
She says since the programs implementation, students have become much more engaged during recess.
Deas says this not only promotes students physical well being but also their social well being.
Based on the success of Spirits in Motion, the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board is extending the program inside the classroom including school assemblies, prayer services and even aspects of phys ed.