As part of our Strategic Direction 2021+, we identified a target to develop the healthy bodies and healthy minds of our students. One key element of this target was to improve our athletic facilities, curriculum, and specialist coaching for physical activity and success in sport.
The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, adopting good physical routines, and playing sports are numerous and varied. Not only does physical activity support day-to-day health, but it also improves confidence, brain health, reduces instances of illness, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves the student’s ability to do everyday activities. For our students, the benefits are often immediate after a session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and include improved thinking or cognition and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety. Regular physical activity can help keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp. It can also help the students sleep better, which is such an important thing for teenagers as they are developing.
Financial and community support is key to making this goal a reality. We were thrilled to receive a significant financial gift from one family before the summer to support the development of two world-class fitness studios for both the Junior School and Middle/Senior School. The gift was also designated to build fitness and athletic programming in the school and support the coaching expertise of our teaching staff.
As a result of this generous contribution from Junior School Parents, Mike Caron, and Chantal Beauchamp, parents of Melody Caron in Grade 3, I am delighted to announce that we have not only opened our fitness studios but have been running a unique fitness and conditioning program for our Grade 3-5 students. Both Chantal and Mike were keen to give back to the school and support the strategic development of this crucial element to our school, recognizing the impact it will have on students across the school.
Gifts like these have a lasting legacy in the school and, most importantly, support the students as they grow and develop. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Chantal and Mike for their generosity and for supporting the Elmwood Community.