Brunswick

The first day that I tried to play basket ball I sucked big time missed the net triped over nothing hit the rim, hit the back wall. Did a lot of laughing good thing my friend was in no hurry to play a good game or anything. Then I started to get better kinda still missing the net and things just not as bad. So my friend asked me if I wanted to play spot (I had not idea what that was) I said YES!! So we did will I know now how to play spot and also how to spell it plus side. I've gotten better (I'm so good it hurts lol) but I'm nowhere close to being a basket ball player. lol It is fun but it's also a lot of work to running handling getting it into the net which im not good at yet (might never be) doesn't mean im going to stop trying though. thanks for reading my short storie byes

We have decided to implement a five-minute stretch at our February 29th Board meeting. We figure that the five minutes we spend exercising will be more than regained over the course of the meeting, since we will be better able to focus on the tasks at hand. Plus, as adults we will be practicing what we preach to the kids-- bonus!

At our next Board meeting, February 29th, we will also be serving healthy snacks. I can't wait to see what delicious food we'll have to enjoy this time!

Our commitment to serve healthy snacks continued at the February planning session for the fredkid Fair, where we enjoyed cereal bars and juice. Delicious!

We have been doing well at our commitment of serving healthy snacks. For our January 25th Board meeting, we served homemade oatmeal and dried fruit cookies. Yum!

On February 23rd, children and adults from The Wonderment Project spent the day at William Street Park. Everyone enjoyed playing in the snow-- much better than staying inside all day long!

On February 7th, 8th and 9th, our theme at The Wonderment Project was Wonderment Winter Wonderland. The children and adults all headed outside to play. They enjoyed sliding, painting on the snow, and building snow castles. The fresh air and exercise made everyone tired, but it felt great to spend the day outside.

We have been doing well on our commitment to serve only healthy snacks at The Wonderment Project. On February 7th, we serves roll-ups with natural peanut butter and fresh fruit. On February 9th, kids made their own snack of pancakes and fresh fruit. Delicious!

On January 26th, children and adults at The Wonderment Project celebrated Family Literacy Day. Several guest readers shared books with the children, and in between the stories, children danced and sang songs. It was a fun way to improve both their physical and mental health.

On January 29th, children and adults from The Wonderment Project daycare headed York Care Centre for a special time with the residents there. They participated in an event called Art Across the Ages. Kids painted, danced, and sang, much to the delight of the residents. In doing so, they worked to build intergenerational relationships with the seniors. At the end of the day, the physical, mental, emotional and social health of everyone involved was a little bit better. Not only that, but everyone had a lot of fun in the process.

My neighbor and I were very active and commited to goign to the gym 5- 6 days per week last year,life became busy and we stopped going as much. I decided to purchase some gym equipment for my basement and work out on my schedule. It sounded like a great plan, however I really missed being motivated by my friend and the gym environment. My sister and other friends were working out solo as well and sometimes needed a bit of a boost to keep commited. We decided to create a facebook page and invite other family members and friends to join us. It has been very motivating for me as I get fresh ideas for exercise activities as well as encourage others to join in. We started out small and have now grown to 30 members. Not everyone post on the board, but they read. And we have received feedback that it has assisted in some people starting a program and commitment to eat healthier and to exercise that may not have been encouraged otherwise. I am really proud of our facebook group. It is a great way for us to stay connected! And on the road to healthy living.

One day a friend of mine asked me to go out with them so I did, each time we go out we try a different activities. Now im getting good at doing different activities, learning how to play different sports too, also seeing great improvement with myself and my friend towards these different activities and sports. Which is a great feeling I couldn't even explan it to you cause there's not word's for it.
Having fun and being active is such a good feel, being able to know that you can do something that you might have not been able to do before is aslo a good feeling.
Taken part in the wellness movement is a great way to stay fix and in shape. Seeing the diffence from the first day I went jogging, how it was kinda hard to now, I'm able to jog without having any problems or finding it hard to do. I can jog for a longer time also working on getting a much better speed (faster) at covering a mile or two. Setting different goals for yourself makes it a bit harder for you, but soemtimes you need that so instead of jogging a mile try for two. Even if you don't make it thats doesn't matter as long as you tried to go longer.
This is my wellness story I know it might not be good or might not make sence but its all good hope you get that point that im trying to say bye for now to next time. lol

Nous avons atteint nos objects au Centre culturel et sportif de Cormier-Village

People who are committed to this class show up early to get their "spot" and help with setting out chairs and organizing for the class. Clean up after class is quickly done as people willingly volunteer to put away equipment and chairs. A speial thank you to Elaine Ferguson's husband who brings Elaine to each class and brings in the bands and yoga mats from their car. Grand Bay-Westfield Recreation staff who have found a spot to store the weights so we don't have to carry in for each class.
Willing hands and committed participants interested in their wellness and the wellness of their neighbours makes this model work!

All the students have been making the most of winter but getting outside and having lots of winter fun every school day! They've been shovelling, sledding, making snow angels and having lots of snowy winter fun!

We wrapped up our first commitment in December with the end of our 2011 Crosby Wellness Champ Challenge. The overall winner receiving 3 days off with pay and the runner ups in each division (biometric indicators and fitness challenge) each receiving a day off with pay. With 23 starting the challenge and completing baseline biometric and fitness assessments, 16 completed the 12 week challenge. We saw excellent results in biometric indicators including lower LDL, higher HDL, lower Blood pressure and lower overall weight, waste and hip measurements. On the fitness side we saw phenonimal results with many participants posting 50% improvement or better on the various fitness tests!! Excellent work! Those who started but didn't complete the challenge were also recognized since they completed basliness assessments and now have a starting place for their wellness journey! To top that all off we have 2 employees who quit smoking last fall and are still "Butt-Free" today. Congrats to everyone who started the challenge! Stay tuned for a maintenance challenge coming in March 2012!!

Students at Donald Fraser Memorial School have danced the bad weather away this year. Everytime that the weather is difficult the children all go to the gym and dance with use of a large screen and the Just Dance Wii game. This allows everyone to get exercise when otherwise they would be stuck in a classroom and unable to go outside

Our local church has been providing fruit for our students once a week. The fruit is passed out to a different classroom each week and the children have enjoyed this delicious treat.

Donald Fraser Memorial School has many teachers who realize that students need to move to learn so they take the time through out the day to get their students up to stretch. This activity helps them to shake off the fatique in the afternoon and then allows them to refocus on the tasks at hand

Frigid temperatures did not stop the Kindergarten class of DFMS in Plaster Rock from enjoying a walk around the village's Nature Trail on Feb. 8 . Students were well bundled as they ran, walked and climbed their way around this beautiful trail around Roulston Lake, site of the World Pond Hockey Championships Feb. 9 - Feb. 12.

Bad days, sore muscles, and the desire to just go home makes us want to just pack up and head out but we have made our way down the hall for the activity and always end up feeling much better than before we started. Definitely a benefit in doing a group exercise!

Grade 5 students are taking part once again in the 'Go NB' skiing program. Every Wednesday after school, a group of students take the bus to the Chalet des Aventuriers to enjoy some cross-country skiing. This is a free program which offers all equipment needed, a trail pass and a coach. The students truly enjoy this experience. The program will run until the end of March. A big thank you to grade five teacher Mrs. Stacey for coordinating the activity.

On Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, L.E.R. began its Breakfast Program. Students who are giving daily nutritious breakfasts make significant improvements in learning, school attendance, behavior, and self-esteem. The School Breakfast Program ensures that those children who did hot have a chance to have breakfast at home on a particular morning still have access to a healthy breakfast in our supervised cafeteria. Note that our nutrition baskets , designed to provide students who may not have a snack, also continue. The program is managed by the school personnel, and community volunteers. There is no charge to the students for using the Breakfast Program. A huge thank you to our major sponsor, Dalhousie Lions Club for helping to make this possible.

I started my workouts on Dec. 27th, 2012 after a long and festive holiday season of enjoying good friends and good food, I also turned 51 on Christmas Day, it really occured to me that day that I had to start getting my body in a healthier state if I want to live a long life enjoying the life I have around me. I recently became a grandmother and I want to be around for a long time to enjoy all my grandchildren as they come along!

As an aboriignal person, we have a high tendency towards diabetus and I think we have to work extra hard to cut those risks...we do not have to become what the statistics say we are!

I am a woman in my seventies.I had not been exercising.My doctor had said that I must get regular exercise to lower my high blood pressure
and for better health.This has been very pleasant and helpful.The other people plus the music are a great incentive.


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Since I joined the walking club, I am more motivated to get out to walk.I really need that little push and when I pick up other people or they are picking me up , it gets me up and going in the morning.Also I have an arthritic hip and it does help to walk and keep mobile.Also it is a social thing.I have met some new people and really enjoy this.


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We really enjoy walking at the Church of the Resurrection as it is very convenient without wearing our our heavy winter coats and boots if we walked outdoors.Also , we have the convenience of sitting for a rest and using the restrooms!Having music really makes a difference as well and the time flies by quickly.We both feel much better after walking which is much better than our usual habit of staying home during the winter months.We look forward to continue walking with some of the group 3 days a week at the track when the weather is good.We have made new friends and enjoyed the fellowship at Tim Horton's afterwords.Sure hope we can do this again next year when the weather is cold and walking is slippery.


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In January I read a conversation on the internet.A woman, who would soon be retiring was asking for input on what to expect.She got several answers and advice,but one response in particular got my attention.The poster advised the woman to make sure that she stayed active.The responder went on to tell her own story that when she retired she sat down in front of her computer and now , two years later,she was still there and feeling "stuck".This all struck a chord with me because I saw myself in that description.I'd read in the local paper about the walking club and had planned to join but every day I had a new excuse not to go.The day after reading that brief exchange I dusted off my walking shoes and headed out to find that walking club.In the 8 weeks since joining I have more energy,I am not so tired at the end of the day and I have met some truly wonderful people.I am so glad I happened upon that internet exchange..it changed my habit.


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I really enjoy walking at the Church of the Resurrection.I started in January .I got to meet new people from the community.I'm able to walk inside without worrying about falling on the ice.I enjoy walking in the daytime instead of the evening.The Church is very user friendly,no stairs to climb for the seniors,and many aisles inside to accommodate slow and fast walkers.I hope we can use the Church next winter as well.


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During the winter months I do not walk outside because I'm scared I will fall on the ice.I suffer from Fibromyalgia and my walking was very poor.I started walking at the Church of the Resurrection in January and over the winter my walking has greatly improved.I also suffer from SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder).Going walking three days a week and meeting other people has greatly benefited me.This winter I didn't suffer from depression as I had in previous winters.I really enjoy the walking club and hope we are able to do this next winter as well.The Church is a terrific place to walk.The many aisles accommodate slow walkers as well as fast walkers.There aren't any stairs to get into the building so it is very user friendly and walking in the daytime works great for seniors.Most seniors don't like to drive at night.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thanks a lot for letting us walk at your church,it's very nice of you.It has gotten me of my couch for the winter months.I fell outside a couple of years ago and my shoulder still hurts.My niece Connie Landry told me about the walking club.But unfortunately she didn't show
up.I have met some very nice people walking at the church.I have lost some weight and I feel much better.Thanks!


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With each passing year , getting out of bed each morning has its Special challenges.So being part of and watching each of us grow more flexible,just by walking a few times a week has shown me benefits above and beyond!The church has shown it's heart as we all pace ,bump and spread around each other in good humour and friendliness.
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The participants in this club are a very friendly and supportive group.The social aspect is very important especially for those of us who live alone.I have observed many positive changes within myself and others.Most of us have shed a few pounds and are walking for a longer time period and more energetically.Where else would be such a suitable venue!
One girl is a recent caner survivor and walks slowly with a cane.She gets dizzy and has to rest often but always want s to be there.
One girl is a 55 year old with Downs Syndrome who comes with her mother.She gets so excited to come and has started lifting her arms up as she walks.Her mother is quite frail but does what she can and enjoys seeing how her daughter has benefited.
Because we can access the isles in the church there are never any logjams as we take a different route and thus bypass the slower ones and/or the faster ones and go at a pace for us.
This club is a wonderful community project and Kudos to those who organized it and to the Church of the Resurrection for opening their doors to us.
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My husband and I both go to the walking club for our own reasons.My husband is a heart patient ,and shouldn't to be walking outside in the cold weather.As for myself,I have arthritis in my hips,knees and feet.My doctor recommended walking to help deal with the pain.When I first started I was walking with my cane,not any more.Not to say that I don't have any pain but it seems more manageable.Also,we recently moved back home from Toronto and the walking club has helped us meet new friends and reconnect with old friends.We enjoy walking inside as it is level footing(especially for me).The staff at the Church of the Resurrection are so helpful and friendly.We really appreciate being able to use the facility and hope to come back in late fall.
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I really enjoy being able to come to the walking club.I had been going to Day Break in Saint John twice a week,but unfortunately it closed,so this has been so helpful .As I don't drive , some of the people have been picking me up.I get exercise both for my body and mind.I enjoy seeing friends and neighbours there.

La classe de Développement Humain de la Polyvalente Louis-Mailloux ont appris à fabriquer des balles antistress à l'aide de ballons et de farine. Le tout a été très enrichissant et amusant en même temps.

On December 21st we hosted our second In Motion schoolwide event. The students participated in a number of stations throughout the school and they were active for an entire morning!

Afin de pouvoir réaliser nos engagements, nous avons dû nous adresser à notre communauté. Nous avons fait appel à un organisme près de chez nous pour établir un partenariat en prêt de locaux. Ayant une trop petite école pour répondre au besoin d'espace, cet organisme nous prête généreusement leur gymnase afin que nous puissions pratiquer une période supplémentaire d'activité physique. C'est ainsi que nos élèves vont à la marche à pied au gymnase de cet organisme pour faire du zumbatonic, une fois semaine.

Afin de pouvoir réaliser nos engagements, nous avons dû nous adresser à notre communauté. Nous avons fait appel à un organisme près de chez nous pour établir un partenariat en prêt de locaux. Ayant une trop petite école pour répondre au besoin d'espace, cet organisme nous prête généreusement leur gymnase afin que nous puissions pratiquer une période supplémentaire d'activité physique. C'est ainsi que nos élèves vont à la marche à pied au gymnase de cet organisme pour faire du zumbatonic une fois semaine.

La première marche a eut lieu le 17 janvier 2012.

Total des participants: 31,4 Km pour une heure.

La première marche a eu lieu au Centre culturel et sportif de Cormier-Village le 17 janvier 2012.

Total pour les participants: 31 Km pour 1h de marche.

This month we are having a Staff Sandwich Day! We bring in healthy options for sandwiches and we can create our own healthy lunch! Great way to get the staff together in a healthy way!

Our Staff has started a P90X challenge and we are working hard to complete this program! It is a combination of cardio and strength/resistance training that leaves you feeling sore but great!

My husband and I are both outdoors kind of people and when we had children we were determined to make sure that,like it or not, our kids would be outdoors kind if kids. That is not to say that our kids do not have time to play a few video games but we make sure that they get their daily dose of excercise.

We do many hikes and I would say the Irving Nature Park is our favorite place. The kids (Age 4 and 5) are up for 2.5 to 3 KM hike. We bring snacks, usaully have a "picnic" at the lookoff and a little game oftag or hide and seek. We also take the opportunity to teach them about nature. Everything from porcupines, to identifying animal sounds to trees and leaves. All these things in the theme of making excercise fun, developing a love for the outdoors and making it a life long thing for them.

Afin de pouvoir augmenter notre temps de minutes actives et cela malgré notre manque de local; notre école a établi un partenariat avec un organisme du voisinage. Nos élèves se dirigent en marche à pied au bâtiment de l'organisme et à l'intérieur de leur gymnase, nos élèves pratiquent le zumbatomic.

En janvier, Prescription: Action (groupe de médecins de la région d'Edmundston) lance le défi à la communauté de faire le plus d'activité physique en 1 mois. Des groupes de travail, d'amis, des familles se sont formés ( ce jour, 26 équipes sont en marche!).
Vous pouvez suivre les performances de chaque groupe sur notre site internet: prescriptionaction.ca.
Les mises à jour se feront une fois par semaine.

Pendant la période de la semaine provinciale du Mieux-Étre, les équipes du Ministère du Développement Social étaient invitées à  un défi amical. Ce dernier consistait à  faire de l'activité physique tout au long de la semaine. L'équipe qui réussissait à avoir le plus grand nombre d'heures (moyenne par personne) était gagnante! Félicitations à l'équipe "Prévention, enfants à  besoins spéciaux et service de soutien à  l'éducation" pour s'Étre mérité un trés beau prix! Sur la photo, on apperçoit : Raymond Pelletier, Michéle Ouellette, Gérard Michaud, Stéphanie Lang, Héléne R. Keeley, Jennifer Beaulieu, Lise Martin et Georges Valois.

We performed today at 10am to a crowd of at least 200 spectators

We have been practicing our dance routine in small groups whenever we can sneak in one between patient visits. I have taken the CD player throughout the depatment to practice with everyone. We will be performing a flash mob dance in the front lobby of the SJRH at 10 am Friday Dec 16th. We had a practice runthrough at our staff party on Dec 13th - it was a rousing success.

We had a great turnout (see photo) 11 mothers and 11 babies registered to the international "Quintessence breastfeeding challenge" at Sobeys Douglastown
Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2011.
During the First Week of October, mothers, babies and families gather around the world to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. The theme of World Breastfeeding Week this year is Talk to me! Breastfeeding- A 3D Experience which focuses on the need for communication at various levels and between various sectors.
Internationally, the theme for the 2011 World Breastfeeding Week was chosen because breastfeeding support needs to be viewed in several ways. For example, it can be viewed over time, from pre-pregnancy to weaning; where it can be supported, for example at home, in the community or in the health care system. It can also be viewed in terms of communication, which is an essential part of promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. We live in a world where individuals and global communities connect across small and great distances at an instant’s notice. New lines of communication are being created every day, and we can use these information channels to broaden our horizons and spread breastfeeding information beyond our immediate time and place to activate important dialogue.
Thank you to our many partners including VON Healthy Baby & Me, Lactation Consultants (Kim & Nancy), Public Health, Horizon Health, Mango, Talk with me & Sobeys.
Thank you to all
Aline Allain-Doiron RD
Chair of the Zone 7 (Miramichi) Baby Friendly Initiatives
Regional Committee

WIth the cold weather setting in we pulled out our Ping Pong tables and our Fuze ball so the students don't sit around all lunch hour. We are holding a tournament before Christmas with small incentives to be won so now everyone is taking turns and practicing for the upcoming events. Our staff is part of this as well. These tables will stay in our lobby until the warm weather appears again. We've found it deters students from leaving school property to smoke and if they do they are coming right back instead of standing on the corner smoking all their lunch hour away. These tables are very inexpensive ways to get students moving. Not all students want to be in the gym!

On December 20, our staff will be partipating in a "Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater" Day.

On December 2, the staff had a potluck to kick off the month of December.

One of our participants took a trip to Cuba and decided to do a 10k race in Havana, Cuba. Needless to say that this would of been a nice group run but the distance was a problem. We are very proud of Mary's accomplishment. Mary was the first female Canadian to finish the race and won her age category. Remember that you are never too old to run!!! Stay active and be happy...

Nous venons de compléter 7 semaines de bon travail. Nous avons perdus un grand total de 40 livres. Il nous reste 3 semaines pour notre échéance et nous nous sommes donné comme objectif de prendre 10 livres en tout.

Nous sommes confiantes que nous les atteidrons.

Ensemble nour le pouvons. OUI

What better way to get active and enjoy our beatuiful community but by geocashing. Takes only a few minutes and you learn of areas you might of never of seen before without this activity.

The hockey game between MDC and NBYC Corrections Institutions was a huge success. About 100 people showed up to the event and cheered on the boys. It was an excellent wellness event which brought both Institutions together. Well Done!

Once a pond a time in a land far away, thats not so far away. There was a young woman that wasn't so young, but that's okay. She wasn't like all the other girl's, she like to run, and play, and if she could she would all day.One day at this placce that she worked he boss came up to her and asked her in a very nice way to take and join this wellness program so she did. The idea behind this program was to get this young woman that wasn't so young, to share her activie playful life and just maybe win a prize for being activie. The young woman that wasn't so young couldn't believe what she heard, So she looked it up, to find out it was true. Then off she went to the rink to start the workout process. At first it wasn't hard but when she added the stairs it got a little harder then over time it became easier.Each and every week then went by she kept adding something to it hoping she'll get stronger, better, faster, stronger.
The End

We have gone from 15 persons to almost 50 people and now are waiting to have a second class as we have a waiting list who have indicated an interest.
We wanted an affordable and local opportunity for functional fitness for seniors...clearly there is a demand in the town of Grand Bay-Westfield that we are meeting!

All kids are welcome to come by St Martins Road in Riverview to join the McAllister Park Wellness Movement. Between hockey, football, basketball and some creative front yard baseball, kids in the neighbourhood can be seen having fun while staying fit! Come join the wellness movement!

On Oct. 12, 2011 I introduced a new theme to our drop-in program... Wellness Movement. The children and parents had a visit from the local Mango program and were given information and played a little game that introduced the Canadian Food Guide. They were also invited to join in on a weekly walk held at the French Fort Cove walking trails, every Wednesday at 12 noon.

I also gave them a "Get Fit Together" info sheet which told them the importance of starting early and doing activities as a family. They also got to take home a couple of new recipes to try "Anytime Apple dip and Microwaved Baked Apples" as this is a great time of year for Apples...

They were also invite to bring in healthy recipes to share and also to share ideas to get and keep us all moving and staying healthy.

My Dad and I have again successfully completed the 10th Annual MDI Marathon on October 16th. This was our 5th year of participating. Our family has made it a tradition and we plan on continuing to take part in one of the most scenic marathon routes in the world. This year I invited some of the other members of our small running group, Randy Johnston and Lee Byram. What a great weekend we had in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine. My Dad and I are already registered for 2012 and would invite anyone to join us for this unbelievable experience next year.

I have found the only way to stay on track is to keep a daily record of what I eat. It keeps me accountable and makes me make better choices. Rather than reaching for that quick snack or high calorie treat I will grab something healthy to eat.
Tracking the amount of water I drink each day is also important.
Gail Savoy

Nous avons présenté une conférence sur les Mécanismes d'adaptation dans trois localités et on va la présenté dans une autre localité cette semaine (Clair). Le nombre de participants fut 60, 103 et 100 respectivement à Kedgwick, Edmundston et Grand-Sault. Cette conférence est présentée aux personnes de 50 et plus, à travers le programme Nouveaux Horizons pour ainès.

On October 7th our entire school participated in 6 different stations for the entire morning. The students and staff danced, juggled, competed in fitness challenges and played games using a giant ball. For a snack everyone had a delicious New Brunswick apple. A great time was had by all.

I Ihave tryed several weight programs but never seemedto keep weight off .Ilove to walk but do to abad knee I have to find anew way to exersize I joined Eating Right program,with help from our group I hpoe to get on the right track to weight lose..

J'ai pris du temps après mon dîner pour donner une courte formation sur différents exercices qu'on peut faire avec des bandes élastiques.

As part of our commitment to wellness NBYC/Miramichi Institution offered for the first time an opportunity to try fly fishing on the Miramichi River. Recreation Director Dennis Hache applied for an Exemption Angling Licence through the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Staff had the chance to try this wellness activity. This Picture shows Correctional Officer Steve laroque with Hache on the Riverbank with his first fish. We would like to thank Superintendant Bruce Tripp for the support and cooperation to have this event. One of many for the week. NBYC is fully committed to the wellness effort.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28 all students and staff participated in the National Terry Fox walk. The whole school went for a 20 minute walk.

My name is Bev. I'm a Group Fitness Leader. For 3 years now, I've been working out 2-3 times a week with this energetic group of ladies. They are up for any challenge that I might throw at them, with very little complaining I might add. I'm very happy to be part of the Wellness Movement and will continue to promote a healthy active lifestyle.

Passed the Ball to 4DN

We had "Treat free Tuesday" sugar free treats.
No cookies for you.

Tout va bien, j'ai fais plus d'un heure à chaque jour. Cette semaine sera bien remplie avec les activités de la semaine du mieux-être.
Ça bouge à Edmundston

My name is Bev. I've been a Group Fitness Leader for 20 plus years now. I love my role as a Fitness Leader and all wonderful women that I've met over the years. I am committed to setting a good example for all the people that mean the most to me by continuing to promote a healthy active lifestyle. I encourage all my participates to embrace the concept of 'Quality of Life' through appropriate exercise and a healthy lifestyle filled with fun, fitness and friendship.

An exercise group started here in Woodstock led by CHarlie Murray so was called Charlie's Angels. Through Charlie's leadership our group not only got physically fit but mentally well we well since we laughed with, cried with, shared and assisted each other through many things in our group. As Charlie said " this group was a group of phenominal women that came together and enjoyed each others presence and was indeed there for any one of us that needed that shoulder or extra set of hands to get us through something". The group has walked in three Run for the Cure events in support of one of our awesome women in the group. Last year we walked it in honour of Ginette and this year unfortunately we walked it in memory of her. She indeed was an inspiration for us all and taught our group a lot about life. What a group we had and what a woman Ginette was and we held her rpoudly in our hearts and minds Sunday as we walked in her memory. :) It is our intent to make it an annual event which will bring our wonderful leader Charlie back to NB since she is moving to Ontario this month.

Our entire school walked on Friday afternoon and some students ran the entire distance to the United Church and back. It was a wonderful day and the students worked hard to support cancer. Great job team!

Plusieurs années maintenant que je joinds des groupes de nutritions et exercices avec des amis qui m'aide beaucoups dans mon cheminement de mieux etres. Presentement, j'aimerais un autres défis et sa serait celui d'inviter ma famille et je crois sincerement que sa pourrait bien etre interessant et une bonne facon de passer plus de temps ensemble et de s'occuper de notre santé en famille.

We are in Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships. My wife Gina will be competing. The picture is of us at the Energy Lab in Kona Hawaii. It is a famous part of the Ironman marathon run. We also swam and did a short run today.

Some of the things we will be doing this week are: Walking around the track at U.N.B., going to the gym, boot camp, evening walks. Our goal is to become more fit by exercise and nutritious eating.

The NHL 120 class will post daily morning announcements about healthy living.
On Tuesday, they will pass out a nutritious snack and copy of Canada's food guide to all students in the school.
On Thursday (rain date- Friday) students will spend study block time (30 minutes) walking on our track.

Le mardi 11 octobre prochain, les élèves du Carrefour de la Jeunesse (CDLJ) auront l’opportunité de vivre une expérience inoubliable dans le cadre du Relais Rick Hansen et de l’activité de Mieux-être annuelle « Marchons vers l’école ».

Dans le cadre du 25e anniversaire du Relais Rick Hansen et signalant le fait que le relais sera dans notre région, une courte cérémonie relatant l’exploit de Monsieur Hansen aura lieu à l’école. Part la même occasion, un élève de la 8e année, Zachary Andersen fera partie des porteurs et son trajet aura comme point de départ l’école. Dans la semaine précédant l’évènement, les élèves auront l’opportunité d’en apprendre plus sur l’histoire de Rick Hansen, figure historique au niveau canadien. Depuis l’instauration de la Fondation Rick Hansen, plus de 245 millions de dollars ont été investis dans la recherche sur la lésion médullaire.

Après la courte cérémonie, qui débute à 9h45, Zachary aura la chance de porter la médaille qui représente le lien entre tous les coureurs du relais pancanadien. Il sera, dans son parcours, suivi par tous les élèves et le personnel du CDLJ qui profiteront de la même occasion pour faire l’activité traditionnelle « Marchons vers l’école ». Zachary, élève de huitième année, a été choisi par un petit comité d’école en raison de son implication, autant au niveau scolaire que parascolaire. De plus, il conserve, une excellente moyenne académique.

De retour à l’école, tous les élèves recevront une collation santé, gracieuseté du comité de parents du CDLJ.

In my Chair yoga instruction at the Y, I have never felt such elation in seeing the people that have any health problems or are a little physically chanllenged have their overall health and physical well-being improve.

One individual who started up months ago was barely able to fold over. When they did, they could only touch the top of their thigh. After several weeks of attending my "Chair Yoga" class, this person approached me one day after the class and stated: " Do you remember when I first started here and could only touch my thigh when I went to fold over. Well, look at this."

At this point this person proceeded to not only fold over, but touch the sole of their foot and hold the position.

That to me is why I so enjoy doing what I do at the YMCA.and that is the benefit of seeing others health and well-being improve.

Thanks to all who attend my classes. :)

~Steve~

We are starting our Wellness Movment and it is exciting.
On Monday we will start by having insipirational quotes
Also, on Monday we are starting our Active Meetings on Mondays

Today we did fitness exercises while keeping the beat with rhythm sticks.

Rob and Lisa quit smoking on Sep 4th and are happy to be counting their blessings - deep breathes and deeper pockets!

The Keswick Valley Coyotes have committed to fitness!! In just two short weeks students and staff have logged over 2000 kms walked or jogged! Several students are nearing their first milestone of 50 kms and a few classes will soon have reached their class goal of walking across Canada!

Voici notre équipe Hélène rivard Keeley chef d'équipe, Julie Dubé Michèle Ouellette, Tina Ouellette, Joanne St Amand et notre coache Monique Thériault.
Le défi à eu lieu samedi le 24 septembre.
Nous avons ramassé $600. De plus nous avons traversé les chutes et gorges avec succès. Mieux encore nous y sommes retourné pour une deuxième fois.
Nous sommes heureuses du succès de l'évenement et encore plus de pouvoir aider à des gens qui ont moins que nous. La pauvreté est un determinant de la santé alors nous devons tout faire pour en diminuer les effets négatifs.

Nos rendonnés en vélo se rallonge souvent. Les enfants ne peuvent pas s'empêcher de faire quelques arrêts santé pour cueillir des framboises, fraises...

On Friday, September 16. The students and staff of saint Rose School kicked off their commitment to stay active throughout the year. They laced up their sneakers and headed out for a 1 km walk around our neighbourhood.

At Forest Glen Elementary (K-4), we place a high priority on Physical Activity. The administration and staff believe in the motto "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body". We are designated an "In Motion" school by the District and pledge to be active 30 minutes a day. Our students easily achieve this goal by being involved in the various physical activities that our school provides. Physical activity begins even before school starts with our daily morning walking/jogging program that is open to everyone in the Forest Glen Community. Next our students can participate in our noon hour activity program which runs Mon- Thurs. We also have an after school sports program for 90 minutes Mon-Thurs. Finally we have Fit Fridays every Friday at noon hour, where members of our community present a 20 minute activity session to our students such as Yoga, Breakdancing, Tae Kwon Do,etc. As you can see , in a typical day, a student at Forest Glen could do 160 minutes of physical activity !!! Way To Go TIGERS !

In August of 2005 I was told I had lung cancer, In October of 05, I had 3/4's of my right lung removed, then in December,of 05, I started Chemotherapy then in January they added Radiation to the mix, I had to be away in Saint John for 5 weeks, away from my family and friends, I am glad I had some Family and friends still living in Saint John to keep my spirits high. After that was over it was back home, here to, Hartland, to keep doing my Chemo for another 7 months. Just when I thought it was over, I ended up having to have a triple bypass in Feb of 07. I was sure I would never teach fitness classes again. How could I with one and a bit of lung and with the triple bypass,
THEN, I was introduced to this wonderful world of ZUMBA. I fell in love with my first class. Being a fitness and weight training instructor of 26 yrs, I just had to get certified in this wonderful NEW way of working out, And that is what I did, I am now certified in 5 levels of Zumba and Teach to a wonderful group of ladies and gents 5 times a week.
Zumba restored me, gave me hope and got me back into what I love to do, Help people reach there fitness goals and put a smile on there faces.

So for the Creator of Zumba, Beto Perez. Thank you for giving me the strength to carry on!!

To my wonderful Zumba Ladies and gents, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there to make each and every class a joy to lead!!

Gunningsville School is the educational home of about two hundred and fifty students. It is a great example of a positive learning environment where all staff work collaboratively to provide the best education possible for all students. It is a wonderful place to live and grow together as a community.

We are a team of 4 one male and 3 females. We are working as a team to motivate each other towards making life long healthy choices and getting into a routine of exercise. our first weigh in was tonight and we are all excited to get started :)

Le 28 septembre, Assomption organise une tournée d'épicerie chez le magasin Sobeys pour ses employés. L'activité sera animée par une diététiste immatriculée de Sobeys. Des sujets touchés sont: :
• ce qui ce retrouve dans les aliments emballées;
• ce que comprend une portion;
• à faire le bon choix;
• les bons grains, etc.

We are a group of caregivers who work in the community to provide a healthy life style to our seniors and those in need of care. Many of us take our clients for walks to keep them active and some of us do other fun activities such as gardening.

Sept 25-Oct 1 is Activie Aging Week, at the Chateau we have a few fitness events scheduled, we exercise daily,walk Harbor passage,walking clubs,Health Fair,enjoy a great drive through the irving nature park, my average seniors age is 85 and they participate on a daily basis with wearing their pedometers, and always doing everything they can to stay active!

The Partners in Prevention in motion Committee, along with the Human Performance Centre, came together to engage the community in a fun and interactive activity on June 1st called “Docs in motion”.

Those attending this event were invited to take part in an exercise warm up instructed by Sarah Miller from the Human Performance Centre and BEBE the clown. Five local doctors (Dr. Daniel Scott, Dr. James West, Dr. Robert Webb, Dr. Pearl Skjonsberg and Dr. Jeffery Clark) then led a walk inside the River Valley Middle School carrying the in motion banner. The local Hearts in motion walking club followed along with about 80-100 residents joining in.

Adult residents were invited to present a Passport to Wellness card (provided) to have initialed at the various information stations set up. The cards were then submitted at the Human Performance Centre for various door prizes, one of which was a one year gym membership. A number of organizations volunteered at the stations including; the Canadian Mental Health Association, Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, Friends of Blueberry Hill, Healthy Eating Physical Activity Coalition of New Brunswick, Human Performance Centre, Hearts in motion walking club, and Daytripping.

Grand Bay-Westfield is one of New Brunswick’s wellness community demonstration sites implementing in motion, a community based health promotion strategy. The Province of New Brunswick, through the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport’s Wellness Strategy, has supported the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Coalition of New Brunswick (HEPAC) in establishing and enhancing regional and community wellness networks.

The document, Grand Bay-Westfield Wellness Profile: At A Glance provided by HEPAC, identified a large number of the adult residents as inactive, some not even participating in 15 minutes of physical activity on a regular basis.

The Committee’s mission is to have all residents of Grand Bay-Westfield encouraged to integrate regular physical activity into their daily lives year round and their vision is to lead the group of collective community partners in making Grand Bay-Westfield a healthier community through physical activity.

The Community of Elsipogtog, along with the financial assistance of Health Canada, is implementing a culturally-driven, evidence-based program for youth that is expected to result in significant reductions in the incidences of: smoking, starting to smoke and exposure to second-hand smoke.

We are training 24 youth, age 10-14 years, in all areas of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The Aboriginal perspective on Wellness goes back to our Medicine Wheel Teachings. These teachings refer to integrating our beliefs and values with our actions. “Living a life in balance with mind, body and spirit is essential in developing this wellness.”

Through this program, the youth are trained in their traditional drumming and dancing. They are taught to dance and drum proudly as Migmag children. They are realizing that the healthy choices they make will result in the promotion of physical wellness. These youth are taught the dangers of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. They learn about the traditional use of tobacco, and it is with both teachings that we believe they will live their lives “smoke free.”

Mental Wellness is present when a balance of body, mind and spirit is achieved. Therefore our training includes activities and teachings that promote self-esteem, personal dignity, cultural identity and connectedness in the presence of harmonious physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. The Elders teach the youth about the Migmag culture and traditions, promoting a real sense of identity and respect for themselves and their community.

Emotional Wellness is demonstrated by the overall comfort with and acceptance of one’s full range of feelings. Realizing that positive emotions such as happiness, amusement, excitement, contentment and love contribute to our overall sense of well-being we strive to meet these needs constructively in our teachings within the program. One of the most important teachings used is the, “Grandfather Teachings”. The Elders teach the youth about the “seven sacred laws” which are: love, respect, trust, honesty, courage, truth, and wisdom. The youth learn that maintaining “emotional wellness” comes from keeping a positive attitude, high self-esteem and a strong self- image.

Spiritual Wellness refers primarily to our beliefs and values and how they are seen through our actions, realizing we are connected to a single source of creation. The spiritual teachings offered through this program focus on ceremonial and traditional values as they relate to daily choices. Through this program, we are empowering our youth holistically, realizing the strength of the Migmag Culture.

There are four main events within the community of Elsipogtog each year that have between 200 to several hundred people in attendance. The youth from this program have been trained to send a message to the attendees at these events about the dangers of smoking, and exposure to second-hand smoke. Their messaging includes the teachings on the traditional use of tobacco as well. It is with both forms of messaging that we believe we will see greater success in reducing the number of people who start to smoke, and the number who are exposed to second-hand smoke.

We fully believe that the strength within the Migmag Culture, combined with education on the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke, along with the understanding of how tobacco is sacred and is only to be used as an offering for prayers and within ceremony, will result in healthier choices being made by all members of the community and an overall greater sense of Wellness!

The story of our culture:

As human resources manager at Savonnerie Olivier, I always explain to new employees that our culture is far from corporate. It’s familial. We also convey how important that is by our culture:

Company mission:

• To protect traditional soapmaking knowledge by producing products that will satisfy our customers and to practice a craft that will enrich our individual and family lives.
• To provide our customers with personalized services by creating, through ongoing research, superior natural medicinal health products for the skin that are both economical and respectful of the planet.

We must look after our employees’ needs because we want to keep them! Two-thirds of our employees are under 35.

To be an employer of choice, we have certain criteria:

1. Flexibility is the first and most important for us.
   • Flexibility in daily working hours.
   • Flexibility in making up those hours within the two-week pay period.
   • Flexibility in bringing children to work if necessary (children’s corner, supervision, etc.) Another example: The son of one of our employees had a mental disability. Bringing him to work gave us all an opportunity to learn.
   • Flexibility in working from home if needed (mainly for administrative staff).
2. Permission to work later (overtime). We don’t force employees to stay late.
3. Support initiatives for children (sponsorships for sports, participation in school fundraising drives, etc.)
4. Olivier family activities organized outside office hours (picnics, bowling, nature walks, bicycling).
5. Two family days for parents each year (for appointments, school shows, various activities).
6. New in 2010: Lunch and Learn sessions on topics related to the health and wellness of employees for example: diabetes management, physical activity, planting a garden etc.
7. A medical insurance/benefits program where the employer covers the majority of costs.

A couple years ago, I had the misfortune of being thrown by a big quarter horse. I had taken her off her colt and she took a particular dislike to being in the saddle. Slam dunked me good as the cowhands called it. I broke two vertebra..L1 and L3…My life changed instantly.

For the first time in my life, I was faced with not being able to do things for myself and I had a whole new standard for pain. I scoffed at everyone’s advice, “Take it easy” they said.

But the outdoor life has horses and dogs that need tending. Feeding was a flake at a time instead of a bale at a time. And I kept going. Half buckets of water instead of full buckets. A friend offered me a steady old arabian to ride..No threat of coming off him. And I kept riding. Thank you Caesar wherever you are. Neighbours lent me a woodsplitter. It saves on splitting with less impact to the back. His advice was, “Keep going..don’t give up” and at 82 and still farming, well, I suppose his advice was well founded.

First two cords was slow going…but each piece brought a bend and each bend restored muscle. I raked leaves; small bits at a time. I shovelled because the vibration of the snowblower was harsh. Nothing gangbusters, just doing what I could when I could. And I kept going; despite the pain. Pain became my protector that let me know when too much was indeed too much. Wouldn’t quit.

So wellness people…listen up. Healing, is in some respects, is a marathon. It’s not how fast you run, it’s about completing the race. Keep going. Don’t quit. Take heart, each sunrise brings a little healing and a little less pain.

I am retired and 71 years old. My wellness centers around healthy eating and my three favorite sports. In the winter, I curl 4 games a week. Come spring, I’ll be running again and golfing. Last year, I ran three 5 KM and one 8 KM race! My weak right knee feels 100% better when I’m active!

We, the members of the NB Community Harvest Gardens, just launched the site of our first garden on the city’s north side, hoping to bring people in the community together through their love of fresh food. The idea for a community garden was hatched in February of this year when the Greater Fredericton Social Innovation had an open-space forum and it became very apparent that local food was a big issue for the citizens of Fredericton. The idea of community gardens was well received because it is open to anyone.

We then had to find some land to start the garden and partnered with St. Mary’s Anglican Church on McEvoy Street who was already planning on starting a community garden themselves. As a non-profit, we’re very quickly learning the challenges that exist in starting up something like this. We’ve also been working with the city very closely because we’d love to have a south side site to complement the north side site. Any site we choose must be accessible – by that we mean we want people to be able to get there by walking, biking or taking the bus so you don’t need a car to get to it. Essentially, we want to bring the gardens to the people. We’re also looking at it from an environmental stewardship perspective. For example, we had planned to till the north side site, but it was too wet, so instead we are using a natural, workable solution called lasagna layering. We’re also looking at setting up a gravity-fed water system for this particular site which involves rain catchment. Basically we’re going to capture water off the roof of the church into large containers and pipe it through to the garden.

As for the garden itself, there can be a maximum of 62 plots in the north side site. We will ask gardeners to follow organic principles and we’re encouraging people with little or no knowledge to come. We’re going to supply tools and we’re going to supply education. We’re going to supply support and cheerleading too! And we’re going to encourage people to grow primarily food. We want people to understand that 85 per cent of New Brunswick’s food is imported and we want to change that. We also want to get people thinking out of the refined food box.

The garden’s design has a circle at the centre with paths and plots radiating out from it. Ultimately we’d love to have a gazebo or at least picnic tables at the centre where we can hold our workshops and other events. Even if people aren’t gardeners, they are more than welcome to come watch people garden or just watch the plants grow. In the spirit of inclusion, we will do our best to remove any barriers that might stand in the way of people being able to garden. One quarter of the garden will designated as an enabled garden for individuals with varying abilities.

Our slogan is to grow food, to grow minds and to grow community. Gardening builds self-esteem and we hope to partner with a variety of local organizations whose clients would benefit from this.

To promote awareness and garner interest from potential community gardeners, we hosted a community garden party on Saturday, November 13th at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. We had activities for the kids, displays and information on the garden and upcoming workshops, canning and preserving displays, sprouting demos, baked goods and preserves, hot apple cider, local entertainment plus tours of the site. We, our community and our partners at St. Mary’s Anglican Church are excited about how we can be of service to the community, sharing what we’ve got and making it available to the people who could use it.

To learn more about the NB Community Harvest Gardens, visit www.nbchg.org.

My own journey to regain my health and pre-pregnancy body started in Feb 2010. I was suffering in silence drinking several cups of coffee every day just to stay awake. I didn’t have any energy and felt as though I was in a constant brain fog. In addition to this, I was eating well and exercising and yet could not release those stubborn extra pounds I had gained after having my daughter and multiple miscarriages. Every morning I would do 1 hour of P90X (workout video) and eat what I thought was relatively healthy. My efforts were failing though and I found myself just maintaining my weight. After about a year of struggling with my weight, I decided to try an “eat clean” regime while maintaining my 1 hour workout. I eat organic when I can, am conscious about eating real, whole foods and try to stay away from processed foods. We grow our own vegetables in our garden in the summer. I also stumbled upon a company that provides Frederictonians with fresh (organic) vegetables in the summer on a weekly basis. Within days, I lost my cravings for coffee and sugar, a big accomplishment for someone with a sweet tooth. My energy was higher than it had been in over a decade. My focus and clarity were amazing and I felt 10 years younger. The best part was that I dropped an entire size! My husband went to the Olympics for work and I did the program while he was gone. I was 127lbs when he left and when he came back at the end of February I was 117lbs and down 14?! He was pleasantly surprised to say the least :) So I continued and I am sitting pretty at 115lbs and down 17? overall! I am officially 11lbs lighter than I was before I had my daughter. I’m also sleeping better, am more patient and have tons of energy! Based on my experience, my friends began to notice. From there I shared my experience with the people closest to me and have seen my family and friends having the same results. They now incorporate a similar diet and are lighter and healthier than they have ever been! I used to think that as long as I exercised regularly I would have no problem with my weight. As I got older I soon realized that exercise (while important) is just one aspect of staying healthy and that good health really depends on how you fuel your body.

The Town of Oromocto, through its Joint Health and Safety Committee, took an interest in its overall employee wellness. With that in mind, the committee prepared and distributed a wellness survey because they wanted to hear from their employees before proceeding with any planned activities/events.

While waiting for the surveys to be returned, the committee became aware of NB Wellness Week and immediately jumped into action. In no time, an employee wellness walk was planned and executed.

Armed with pedometers, Team SOCIAL DYNAMIC, set a goal to take 25,000 steps during the walk and then headed out on the picturesque NB Trail. The wellness walk was a huge success and the Team surpassed its goal by reaching over 38,000 steps.

This wellness physical activitiy created a great social event – so much so that employees are now discussing doing it weekly.

Three years ago, after reading continuous headlines regarding childhood obesity rates increasing and literacy rates decreasing, I realized something more needed to be done to encourage these rates to “take their proper place”. As a budding author, I also realized this was my chance, my opportunity and my way of giving back to the community times two.

Books can be born out of the love of health, children and literacy, spreading a message that all can readers love and enjoy. Writing has allowed me to speak in schools where I am able to teach, without lecturing, the importance of eating healthy foods and leading active lives.

We all have a voice, we just need to choose to use it and set the example we want our children to adopt. I have chosen my voice, my stance and now I quietly yell so that everyone can hear me but not feel pressured.

I hope whatever you love to do can be turned into something for the entire commmunity.

Park Street Elementary School has focused on mental fitness by empowering students to be leaders. In 2009-2010, Park Street offered over fifty student-led clubs - dreamed up, promoted and organized by students that had a passion for different subjects, ranging from art to comic books, soccer to chess. Park Street teachers and staff ask themselves, “Can a child do it?” and the answer most often is “yes”. By allowing the students to share their strengths with others, the school is developing student capacity and giving them the opportunity to be leaders. This approach has changed how we do things at Park Street.

In September 2009, the school began a character development program called “The Leader In Me”, a child-friendly adaptation of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Park Street focused on one habit each month, embedding the philosophy into everything that goes on in the school from curriculum based activities, to extra-curricular opportunities, to behaviour management. With a common language and focus, the school culture has become more unified. Students have taken responsibility for themselves and their actions. Even at five years of age, students realize that they are the leaders of their own lives. We believe Park Street School, like our song says, really is “The Best Possible Place To Grow”.

Forest Glen School (Kindergarten to Grade 4) has 4 extracurricular programs that promote Physical Activity.

1. KIA (Kids in Action) – This is our morning walk/jog program that runs for 20 minutes everyday before school starts. Students, staff and family are welcomed.
2. Noon Hour Sports – This activity runs everyday at lunch hour. We have 120 students involved in this program.
3. After School Sports – This program runs Monday – Thursday from 2:25 – 4:00 pm. We have 68 students playing soccer, hockey, basketball and volleyball from September to June.
4. Fit Fridays – Members of our community present a 25 minute physical activity at lunch time on Fridays to our students. Some of the activities are Taekwondo, Tae-Bo, Yoga and breakdancing.

Students at Centreville Community School are working to step up their fitness level this year. Conceived by middle school student, Autumn Williams, the Cougars Walking Club is an opportunity for students, staff, and community members to improve their physical fitness while connecting with each other on the track or in the halls at noon.

Autumn decided near the end of school last year that she wanted to improve her fitness, and walking on a regular basis seemed like the best way to get started. Upon return to school in August, Autumn worked with Phys. Ed. mentor, Calvin Brymer, and guidance counselor, Emily Derrah-Sullivan to put together a presentation promoting the new Cougars Walking Club for students at CCS. Immediately upon returning to school after the potato break in September, Autumn gave two presentations to students in grades 3-5 and 6-8. The presentations were highly motivating, with over 50 students joining the club.

A challenge was issued by the club to staff members to race them in their Steps Count across Canada. The Department of Wellness, Culture, and Sport is providing support through its School Pedometer Challenge as the Cougars Walking Club counts its Steps to a healthier lifestyle with the pedometers provided through the program. The Cougars Walking Club has also issued an invitation to the community at large to participate in this challenge.

To date, the club has three community members but with the information sent out through voicemail, community newspaper, and church bulletins in the area, the Club is hoping to have more community members join. The club members are looking forward to both improved fitness and stronger connections to staff and community as they walk and talk their way “across Canada” and through the school year. After 3 weeks and over 500 000 steps, half way in their walk from St. John’s NFLD to Halifax NS, students are still eager to participate and look forward to continuing the journey this year.

Students can monitor their progress through weekly updates on school announcements and also through a visual representation on the school bulletin just inside the front doors. Cross-curricular ties are made through posting information and pictures about the cities that we are “visiting” in our journey across Canada.

Nine fellow teachers and I from Rothesay High School decided we would take old man winter by the beard and make the long, dark, and cold season pass by like a breeze this year. We all chipped-in $100 and are building an ice fishing shack!

We got the idea last winter, when two of these teachers and I had taken our outdoor pursuits classes ice fishing at Renforth, in Rothesay, NB. Some of our students had access to two ice shacks at the Renforth Wharf, so off we went one evening in February. We had some teacher chaperones come along, and everybody had such a great time that we decided we should have our own ice fishing shack.

We are almost finished building it. In fact, we should have it completed by this weekend. The very process of building it has been a wellness activity in itself. It has been bringing staff members closer together and helping us appreciate each other as people and friends, not just colleagues. You might think of this is a guys-only project, but in fact it isn’t. Some of our female staff members are in on it as well. Some have been a great help with the “cosmetic” aspect. I should also point out that this project does not only involve the ten folks who chipped-in $100 initially, but also several other staff members who are chipping-in their time and/or supplies toward reaching the end product.

We are all also looking forward to hosting impromptu “staff meetings” in what is soon to be our new 8'x12' ice fishing shack, complete with a wood stove, which besides keeping everybody toasty warm will allow us to serve fresh fish & more, and will act as a power generator for lights and music. Now, if THAT’S not wellness, then I don’t know what IS!

Have you ever watched 250 individuals in one gymnasium stay active for 20 minutes together at one time? Well, at Saint Rose School, this happens every Friday at 10:15. Fun Fitness Friday commenced in the gym in September of 2006. Since then, students, staff and community members have joined together to stretch, jump and cheer their way to making fitness a lifelong goal.

Staff at the school were concerned about the physical activity and overall health of their students. They decided to implement Fun Fitness Friday for a year to see how the students and community responded. A teacher at the school volunteered to create and lead weekly workouts that the school could move and groove to for 20 minutes. The staff strongly felt that it was important for the children to see role models be active with them. Hence, the community challenge was developed. On a monthly basis, community role models were invited to participate and speak about the importance of staying active and living a healthy life style. City Firefighters, City Police Officers, Saint John Sea Dogs, Saint John Millrats, former premier, MLAs, marathon runners, doctors, City Councillors, the students’ family members, District 8 staff members, middle school peer helpers, just to name a few have all made guest appearances!

As the years have gone by, t-shirts have been designed, students have lead the entire group in fitness routines, Saint Rose K-Kids developed Fun Fitness Bags to sell for Entrepreneur Adventure and other schools have adapted the program to fit their school schedules. This year, the school was fortunate enough to be chosen for the Pedometer Challenge. The pedometers have now added another level of fitness. Our students compete against community members to see who will have the most steps after the workout.

Looking around the gym and watching the children smile, laugh, move and groove validates that Fun Fitness Friday may be making a difference in some children’s lives. If you are ever in Saint John on a Friday at 10:15, lace up your sneakers and come join us for the challenge!

This fall, for the first time, students and staff of Millville Elementary School took part in the International Walk to School Campaign. Since all but a handful of students are bused to school, we arranged to have the buses drop students off at a church that is about 1 km from the school. Parents were invited to join us, and many did. We did this once a week for 4 weeks. Starting the day off with a nice, brisk walk in the crisp, fall air was just perfect. It was really fun to walk and talk with one another. I must say that there was a lot of chatter as we wound our way down the street.

As we walked, many of the parents talked about what it was like when they were in school. Many of us had to walk to school and we had lots of stories to share with the students about how our friends would call for us on their way to school. We recalled that as we walked, more and more of our friends would join in until there was quite a cluster of us talking and laughing. Everyone had stories to share about the things we did on the way to and from school. As we walked, lots of people beeped their horns and waved at us. Some people came out of the house to see what all the commotion was about. I guess it had been a long time since that many young people walked down the street.

When we arrived at the school, we were greeted with the smell of fresh, hot muffins. Talk about a great start to the day. Everyone agreed that this is something that we should do again. We think that another Walk to School Campaign to welcome spring would be a great idea!

This wellness activity started as a simple pie lesson. The Culinary Tech class of Belleisle Regional high school decided they needed to make money to help fund the home economics room and their cooking endeavours. In September, students approached Carey Gillis, a close neighbor and operator of the local winery that just happens to have an apple orchard, with a simple request for apples. She agreed to donate apples and allowed my students to visit her orchard and pick whenever we needed. This was notable wellness for both students and teacher. Students then collected orders for pies from relatives and friends and before we knew it, we were in business.

In fact, we made pies for 2 weeks. I even had students helping me after school to fill the orders that just kept coming. Our “Pie Fest” was such a success we decided to use the money toward a school wellness event. Students planned 2 events; one for high school and one for middle school. They prepared a breakfast for high school students of muffins and juice the week before Christmas break and on January 20th they planned, prepared and served to approximately 120 middle school students, a lunch of tacos with all the vegetable toppings and fruit trays for dessert.

The success of this wellness event had everything to do with:

community commitment – we would not have made as much profit if we had had to purchase apples and parents were huge supporters by purchasing pies from us.

student participation – they worked without complaint to fill all the pie orders. They researched low fat healthy recipes and ideas to ensure a well-balanced meal for both high school and middle school students. A couple of students even took the initiative to educate students with a presentation on how small changes to their diet/lifestyle could help them become healthier.

Our school is participating in the NB Pedometer Challenge. The students for the first round of walking designated a 6 week period for recording our results and seeing how far across Canada we could get by counting our steps just during the school hours. We have a very small school of 88 students and we managed to walk to Winnipeg, Manitoba in just 6 weeks. When we do our next 6 week campaign, we hope to do even better. Each week the students try to participate and be more active. Way to go!!

Dynamite_HavelockHavelockSchoolOur Physical Education teachers, Bevin Manley and Sarah DeWitt, have been working hard at making physical activity fun! Students laugh, sing, and dance to favorite songs, in this case, Dynamite. Teaching the dance routine to each class allows us to come together as an all-inclusive group. Students feel a sense of belonging as they are part of something that is common to Havelock School – - the Dynamite Dance Routine!!!

Salem Elementary School is in the town of Sackville, New Brunswick. The school houses 324 students from Grades K-4. In Grade 3, the students have a choice of entering French Immersion; however, up to that Grade level, all instruction is in English.

As a school we aim to develop each and every child mentally, emotionally, and physically. Physical Education and physical activity are a very big component of our school atmosphere. The students have Physical Education instruction from a specialist as well as their homeroom teachers as we aim to meet the maximum minutes of Physical Education instruction. We not only aim to develop lifelong learners but teach healthy lifestyles to be practised and maintained throughout their lives.

Salem Elementary School is a unique school as we have a school song as well as our own school dance. In the attached video you will view every student and staff member at Salem Elementary School and parents performing our school dance. The words of “Fit Kid” symbolize what is expected of children in order to be healthy individuals. This dance is taught to the students when they enter Salem Elementary School in Kindergarten and is part of many assemblies held throughout the school year. As you will notice from the video; the staff, students, and parents have been placed in our back playground to spell “FIT KIDS!” Each grade level at our school was given a letter to represent and asked to wear a certain color and the parents wore black and represented the explanation mark at the end of “FIT KIDS!” The video was taped from the roof of the school to get the effect of our number of participants. Our video also gives examples of other activities that are part of our school life and exemplify healthy lifestyles. Our students receive a healthy snack once a month, our principal bikes to school, we have an intramural program, new playground equipment, and an after school running club.

This activity has been a team effort by Salem Elementary School and staff as well as parents in our community.

Salem Elementary Fit Kids Video

At Quispamsis Elementary School we have a great use for all that snow this winter! Just about every day at noon, a group of students hop onto cross-country skis and head for the trails behind the school. This activity is the brainchild of Teaching Assistant and outdoor enthusiast, Anne Christensen. Parent volunteers help the children get the boots, skis and poles organized and a community volunteer accompanies Anne and the skiers. Individual students or whole classes, novices or experts, can sign up. The kids love it and are very proud of themselves when they discover that they can ski. Not only are they getting great exercise, but they are discovering a fun activity that gets them outdoors in winter, relieves stress and improves coordination. By the end of the winter we expect that all of our Grades 3/4/5 students will have had several ski experiences.

Our photo shows part of a group of students skiing among the trees on a beautiful February day.

With financial support from So Go Active and additional partnerships with School District #17, Gagetown School, Cambridge-Narrows Community School, teachers, parents and extended family members, Cambridge-Narrows Community School Middle-Level students hosted a Friendship Badminton Challenge with Gagetown School Middle-Level students as part of our Multi-Sports Club Program. 60 students had a fantastic time practicing previously developed skills, learning new skills, being physically active, meeting new peers, sharing nutritious snacks and celebrating champions with fantastic trophies and medals all in the TRUESPORT philosophy. We look forward to getting together again soon. Special thanks to all the parents for driving and providing additional supervision, to teachers for organizing the challenge and So Go Active for sponsoring the trophies, medals and nutritious snacks.

As the principal of a large Middle School, I am very concerned about the increase in childhood obesity. It has been my experience that children at this level become more and more sedentary. Unfortunately in our busy lives, parents often do not have the opportunity to participate in fun activities with their children. In order to address both of these concerns, we at Sussex Middle, have started a free weekly Parent Student activity night. It runs every Mon from 6:30 – 8:00 and we do a different sport every week. As you can see from the attached picture we have a large variety of ages and welcome everyone to attend. It is very non-threatening and no experience is necessary. Should we be the successful recipient of a grant we would invite the community to come to a weekend event in which we would run a circuit of fun, inexpensive activities that get both parents and students active together.

I am the wellness rep for my school, Milltown Elementary in St. Stephen, NB. At one of our school committe meetings, we came up with the idea of having our staff compete in a Road Race. We thought it would be fun to have them strategically grouped into four teams, having to solve riddle clues to locate their next destination.

I spoke with my administrator who thought the idea would work perfectly with an upcoming staff day… this activity could precede the staff meeting / professional development session that would be presented that day. It was decided that I would find three stops and come up with tasks that had to be completed at each one before the next clue could be given (following the idea of the show, The Amazing Race). The final destination would be the place for our off-site meetings.

It was an activity designed to promote both mental and physical wellness. The idea of having our sessions off-site would enable us to meet without the many interruptions that occur within the school. It also provided us with a change of scenery… change of pace… opportunity to work in teams and share a few laughs. As it was the end of the year, we felt a fun, “pick-me-up” activity was in order. This would work!

The riddles were set, the teams were chosen and we were ready to begin. I was the only one (besides my administrator) who knew the stops and the final destination. The groups were each given their first clue, a camera and a goody bag. They took photos along the way… wearing animal hats, singing in a church choir, etc. It turned out to be more fun that we expected (for most of us) … even funnier as the weather wouldn’t cooperate and it poured!! (A number of tasks had to be completed outside).

We felt it was such a hit the first time we did it, we decided to do it again!

It poured on that day too! :)

It all started three years ago at Salisbury Elementary when things began to fall apart… the playground equipment that is. This equipment, over 20 years old, was nearing the end of its life. The repairs were going to be costly, and some parts were no longer available. That’s when the staff, students, and community pulled together to make a dream into a reality.

The dream started off as a new slide for our school, but soon turned into a vision of purchasing some extensive playground equipment from EVOS. This equipment helps develop core and upper body strength, balance, social skills and imaginative play, and we believe this to be extremely beneficial to our students.

We began fundraising on our own, but it soon became apparent that without any outside help, it would have taken about 14 years for this dream to come true. Nancy Rankin, from the Salisbury Credit Union helped out and approached 65 different local businesses that were willing to help with the cost. The Home and School of Salisbury Elementary hosted spaghetti dinners, and the village of Salisbury pitched in. At school, a teacher donated her Christmas Avon sales income and some funds raised through two Jump Rope for Heart campaigns also helped defray expenses. We also received a FYCAP grant from the province of New Brunswick.

It was a collaborative effort to get the structure up, but was well worth it. The playground equipment is used by daycares and older students after school hours. It is really a community playground, even though it is on school property.

This achievement has seemed to jump start a fitness kick here at Salisbury Elementary. In an attempt to increase levels of physical activity, we have started something called “Funky Fitness”, where the first 15 minutes of each school day are dedicated to physical fitness. Students can also participate in a Morning Walk and Talk before school starts. Our school has also been chosen as a Pedometer School by the Department of Wellness Culture and Sport. We will be having friendly competitions between classes to see who can get the most steps during this time. The winning class will have their picture posted on our “Pedometer Pride” board.

We firmly believe in quality physical education and wellness at Salisbury Elementary, and hope to continue providing valuable and creative movement opportunities for staff, students and our community.

Last year for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, our school did a number of projects and activities for our school district’s Healthy Learner’s Challenge. In November, we had a school-wide kick-off assembly about making positive choices and being the best person you can be. We hosted “The Talking Torch” (Olympic torch replica) and were given a class set of pedometers to use that week. Our school walked 181,000 steps! We had daily Olympic trivia, each student completed the Mascot quiz on-line and we even dressed up as Sumi, Miga or Quatchi. We created silhouettes depicting various Olympic sports. We had an Olympic-themed hat day and our own torch walk, topped off with homemade trail mix. Attending the Olympic Torch ceremony at Base Gagetown was the highlight of November. See students’ faces when they finally saw the torch was overwhelming. In February, we played “WE CARE” bingo. All students wrote a “Cheer” to the Olympic athletes. We had a litter-less lunch day and eat the colours of the Olympic rings day. On flag day, we made a human flag in the snow, in red! Two outstanding presenters, one from biathlon and one from short track speedskating, helped students better understand some Olympic sports. We collected money for “Right To Play” and ended the week making the Olympic rings in the gym. Every class followed the Olympics with great enthusiasm! You could really feel the Olympic spirit in these halls.

Watch our school video by clicking here!

The grade seven late immersion class from Lewisville Middle School in Moncton, New Brunswick has been focusing on the subject of physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spirtual well being in their health class for these past few weeks. They’ve watched videos and have had class discussions on the topic. Now, they’ve taken on something that no test can teach you.

Dividing into groups, they’ve each organized an event or activity to motivate students to eat healthy or improve any other area of well being. Listed below is a brief outline of the many activities that are in store or have already been presented to Lewisville Middle:

There will be fun games in the gym with up to twenty or more great prizes.

A contest motivating everyone to help the environment will run for one week. One lucky winner will receive a ten dollar gift card to the Champlain Mall.

We’ll have sayings promoting well being on the P.A. system for everyone to hear and be inspired by.

There are also a few groups planning activities associated with “The Great Big Crunch Challenge”, which will certainly be a popular event involving the community.

A series of “Just Dance (Wii game) dances will be in the gym and you can only be permitted inside by a donation of a pop can or recyclable bottle.

Jumping around to some upbeat songs. We’re going to have some of this time in the middle of certain classes for one week for a fitness break.

One group has decided to put up posters advertising healthy habits so students will be motivated to include them in their daily lifestyle.

Last, but definitely not least, one group will show the school a video that they made by themselves showing healthy alternatives to junk food.

Lewisville Middle also hosted the “Panther Invitational Tournament” for basketball, starting with a spirit game that everyone at Lewisville Middle attended to cheer, yell and get involved in the game. All of these activities are student ideas and student run, with minimal help from adults. Each idea unique and original, it should make Lewisville Middle excited about being healthy. With some activities already finished and others coming in the month of March (nutrition month), everyone at L. M. S. is aware of how to and has the ability to be hygienic, strong, healthy and well.

Submitted by: Jana Giles, grade 7 student at Lewisville Middle School

Students and staff of Chipman Elementary School are training for an exciting spring marathon and several of the Chipman community partners are coming along for the run! On May 7th, the school will be participating in the Go42 marathon in our capital city of Fredericton but before they do, there is a lot of work to do. During instruction, teachers are emphasizing and modeling healthy nutrition, drinking more water, breathing techniques, proper warm up and cool down training and healthy living skills to prepare students for the big run. The students from each classroom are anxiously tracking the number of kilometers they run, skip or hop in physical education class on posters in the school gymnasium for everyone to see and celebrate.

Other partners from the local community are offering their support by teaching techniques in marathon training and by sharing their own personal experiences with running. For example, our School Administrative Assistant, Katrina, is an avid runner and she will participate in an all school assembly sharing her tips for training. As well, partners will assist the students from kindergarten through grade 5 in achieving the stamina to finish a 1, 2 or 3 kilometer marathon in May, by attending the race with us. It is exciting to learn about the thrill of a race; learning how to pace yourself to make it to the finish line.

This rural school is reaching families and community partners with monthly school newsletters, voicemails and frequent updates. We are encouraging all families to take part in the May marathon event as well as trying to engage our community in active living through weekly Zumba lessons, which will be occurring at the school every Monday evening.

RUNNERS TAKE YOUR MARK –
CHIPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS WINNING THE RACE TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

This year our School tackled the issue of Physical Fitness and Participation by implementing a new cutting-edge technology in the gymnasium. In order to ensure that all 700 students at our school were attaining a significant level of physical activity during Physical Education classes, our school purchased 60 Heart Rate Monitors and taught every child from grade 6 to 8 how to use the equipment.

Due to varying levels of fitness with boys and girls from ages 11 to 14, virtually every child’s fitness goal is different. Student participation and effort can now be determined on time spent within healthy heart zones rather than only assessing athletic skill and ability. Our students are also being taught the importance of training in a particular Heart Zone in order to stave off weight gain, increased risks of heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer. In addition to this, students are also able to check their monitors to see how many calories they burn in a typical physical education class which has opened the door to discussing healthy eating issues.

This new technology has even sparked a brand new running club at our school. Every day during our Lunch period, 20 selected “Club Runners” come down to the gym, strap on their Heart Rate Monitors and run 1 full mile on our track. These students use the stopwatch function on the HRM to try and beat their personal best time while making sure they maintain a healthy heart rate during the course of their run. This information is recorded at the end of every running session and is used to monitor individual cardiovascular improvement. Since December, our Club Runners have run a total of more than 400 miles!

With fitness goals not only being a major part of our curriculum but a crucial component to an overall healthy lifestyle, Nashwaaksis middle school students are now able to verify their own personal levels of fitness with instant accurate feedback from their heart rate monitors! Any child, at any point during Physical Education class, can now take a look at his or her watch and see whether or not they are working hard enough to attain an A+ in that particular class. Non-athletic students who in the past lacked confidence in their own ability are now motivated to participate and be active. The confidence and participation levels in our gym have never been so high!

Click here for our video!

How do you measure the wellness of a school? And for that matter, how do you write your school’s wellness story? Well, sometimes, an answer to a seemingly complex question writes itself if one simply stands back and takes a look around.

When looking around the three floors of the L.E. Reinsborough School, the pages of our wellness journey come alive with multifaceted learning opportunities that unite wellness and community.

Here at the L.E.Reinsborough School, students’ success in both personal wellness and academic growth is achieved by encouraging students to be actively involved in learning. Right from the start of our day, students take control of the learning process by: directing and hosting a morning news show, which is broadcasted live to each classroom through the use of Smart boards; students in noon hour multi-media clubs create all sorts of wonderful audio/visual art, which include O’Canada audio/visual clips that represent each of our major cultures; Wii fitness room to encourage student success and exercise; collaboration with other classes throughout the world via laptop computers for all students at the upper-elementary level; high energy physical education classes; variety shows; concerts; a healthy choice menu; a noon hour music show to lift one’s soul and so much more! Our success is built on building a school community where parents help in various roles from setting up weekly skiing trips, preparing healthy snack baskets, to making sure we get our weekly mouth rinse. Our submitted video doesn’t focus on a single event because, for us at the L.E.R, wellness is the sum of its parts.

Yes! Sometimes the answer to a seemingly complex question about a school’s wellness plan is simply found on the smiling faces and hearty ‘hellos’ of the students who we are entrusted with. If this wellness journey is a highway, staff and students want to ride it, or in this case walk it, all day long!

Road to Wellness

The video shows some of the kids from my classroom. The students of Colleen Gauvin, the M’igmaq Resource teacher, attend classes after regular school is finished on a daily basis from Monday to Thursday. These classes take place in our Band office along with headstart, kindergarden and daycare. Our M’igmaq classes consists of a holistic approach teaching our culture, healthy eating, physical activities and teachings of our way of life. I work closely with the Health Department at our Band Office, the dietician visits us regularlly and our community health representative helps out with the physical activities.

Last year, we received funds to promote physical outdoor activities. I purchased 20 pairs of snowshoes and each Thursday Velma, the Community health representative, comes outside with me and we harness up the snowshoes on 20 students from my first class. At first, all we did was put them on but now look at them, they can jump and run circles around our Chief and Velma!

In our class we dance traditionally, we do drumming and singing in the 3 languages, M’igmaq, English and French. We have a new baseball field and we use it year round. As you can see, we use the baseball field to go snowshoeing. It is safe there because the children are out of harms way. In our photo (we have a video as well but couldn’t send it), you will see our Chief Everett Martin. He took the time out of his busy schedule to be with the children because he believes in what we are doing. We also have a councillor, the nurse Velma, the Community health representative, a young mother and a grandmother, so you can see we have a wealth of representatives from our community involved as well as the students’ engagement.

Using snowshoes is original because the First Nations invented them so it is natural for us to do a video and take photos using them. We are showing our resilience by incorporating our culture and heritage, using our snowshoes, and taking a step forward from years of assimilation. We are moving forward and are proud of who we are as a First nation and M’igmaq People.

We also encourage the community to borrow our snowshoes for their physical activities. We are proud of our ancestors who invented them and we give thanks to Mother Earth for providing the materials for the making of the snowshoes.
M’igmaq Video Click Here

Oh behalf of the Eleanor W. Graham Middle School, I am submitting this application. The EWG Middle School recently moved into a new school and the students and staff wanted to open the doors to the public and share with their families and community all they had to offer. A “Welcome” evening was planned. The local grocery store donated fresh fruit, student council arranged for cake and coffee for the adults and an invitation went out to the school community and the public for everyone to join them for an open house. The students acted as our ambassadors providing tours to the parents and community members, showcasing our afterschool activites and welcoming the public to our new school. It was a wonderful evening involving parents and community as well as it being student driven.

Fairvale Elementary is the epitome of wellness. From the moment the first bus arrives, you will hear the laughter and engagement of our students in the gymnasium. Every morning, open gym is offered to a specific grade level where children can choose from a variety of activity stations.

We have noontime intramurals run by our student leadership team for both primary and upper elementary students each day of the week. In the fall and in the spring, 80% of our grade 3-5 population participate in our popular running club. The spring program lasts for about six weeks with most children running 3km once a week. Our grade five marathon runners run three times weekly and by the end of the 6 week block, have run the equivalent of a marathon. The event cumulates with our 1km Fun Run for everyone, attended by area running gurus, media, and parents. Students receive running club t-shirts with running bibs and are rewarded with medals and post run food (from the popular food tent) at the conclusion of the event.

Students who aren’t in the gym, or participating in other organized activities like choir or games club, may be found enjoying the outdoor sports equipment generously donated by Atlantic Superstore. Each classroom is equipped with a tote filled with balls, skipping ropes, and other outdoor gear for use on the playground.

Our gym rarely remains vacant. F.E.S staff members look forward to the weekly yoga classes offered once weekly after school. It is a fabulous opportunity for staff to relax while becoming fitter and more energetic. Thanks to the creativity of our Home and School, two evenings a week, Fit-tastic Fairvale exercise classes are available to parents and community members. Power Yoga, Zumba, and Boot Camp have become favourites! On any given Monday or Wednesday, you will see red faced, sweat stricken ladies leaving the gym with a bounce in their stride! Because of the popularity of these programs, these evening classes are being modified and offered to students during lunchbreak.

We, as a school community, value the role we play in promoting healthy eating at F.E.S. From the apples available in the lobby each morning (donated by Superstore), to the “nutritious morning snack” and the healthy selections offered through our “Healthy Lunch Program”, we do everything we can to ensure that children are eating well. Our Home and School group hit the streets searching for local businesses that offer lunch options that meet Policy 711. As a result, every day of the week, children are able to enjoy nutritious options. In fact, Fairvale Elementary is viewed as a model school in terms of healthy lunches by our District 6 Health Advisory Committee.

Healthy Living Programs are an important part of the Life Skills/Guidance Curriculum at the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School. During the months of October and November, 2010, nine Grade Seven and eight Grade Eight students participated in an amazing learning activity. The activity was organized by Anita Basque, Student Services Coordinator and was facilitated by Jean-Guy Martin, Youth Health Worker, Addiction Services, Campbellton, N.B. and Tiffany Labillois, UNB student.

The theme of the project was tobacco. The students focused on the traditional use of tobacco by our First Nation ancestors; the evolution of tobacco use by individuals; what is actually placed into a cigarette; and finally, how it has evolved into the multibillion dollar commercial industry it is today.

During the eight weeks of the project, the students completed research on each aspect of the themes and then they compiled all their research information into an interactive learning presentation. They used various methods to present their information. At first, the students played a quiz game modeled on the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. Secondly, the students had a display of a large cigarette with samples of some of the chemicals and poisons that are contained in a cigarette. The substances include battery acid, nail polish remover, tar and rat poison. Next, they provided information on how our First Nation Ancestors used tobacco for sacred and medicinal purposes. Then, a physical activity was performed by the Grade Seven and Grade Eight students to demonstrate lung capacity. Lastly, a video presentation was shown to highlight the negative effects on one’s body by cigarette smoking.

The students made their presentations to students from Grade 3 to Grade 8 at the school during the month of December. In total, they gave seven presentations to students, teachers, the principal and the Community Wellness Worker. By having peers deliver an anti-smoking presentation, they hoped to reach more of the student population. Hopefully, more of the students will think twice before they place a cigarette in their mouths.

Click to watch the video!

A focus on wellness and physical activity is such an important part of living a healthy and happy life. Harvey Elementary is doing their part to instill a passion for a healthy lifestyle by providing a daily breakfast program, a weekly ice skating opportunity, and an end of week fitness blast.

The School’s morning breakfast program is run by parent and community volunteers. The group receives food donations from local businesses and they give up their precious time to provide our students with a morning nutritional burst. If you happen to stop by, have a treat! Everyone is welcome to take part in the program. You may be even be served by one of our great student helpers.

Each week, in addition to their regular physical education classes, each class makes the short trek to their community Rec. Center to skate on its natural ice surface. This opportunity to learn a lifelong skill begins as soon as the weather cooperates and lasts until the ice begins melting. Parents are always welcomed to skate with their child and become a part of their child’s learning.

Fridays are great days! Everyone looks forward to finishing up a busy week and the excitement can be felt all around. On Fridays at Harvey Elementary School, students, staff members and guests add to the excitement by kicking off the day with ‘Fit Friday’. As an initiative to get students moving and increase their level of daily physical activity, everyone at Harvey Elementary can be seen in the gym or in the classroom bustin’ a groove, struttin’ their stuff down the hallways in a giant conga-line, or outdoors walking with their pals around the school, building snow sculptures, or sliding down our neighbors’ hill on a sled.

Harvey Elementary believes in keeping our students active, and just as important is ‘student-voice’. Many of our ideas for our special day come from the school suggestion box found in our main entrance. Students are welcomed and encouraged to suggest activities and each one is taken into consideration by school staff. Students are thrilled when their idea is chosen and they see everyone in the school taking part in something they created.

Drop by Harvey Elementary or the Rec. Center and join us as we support WELLNESS!

Harvey Elementary Video Click Here

Macdonald Consolidated School loves to get up and go! Since we live in the country, we have loads of amazing opportunities to be active. From boating on the river to dirt bike riding down a back road, everyone has fun! Even within the school, there are so many activities that almost everyone has found a passion in a sport, in music or in dance. Then, an idea was born. What if we could unite the entire school in a tremendous dance? We could star particular students and make their talent a highlight of the performance! We could fight for fitness…and this video is the result!

All of us here at MCS hope that we managed to capture the spirit of the school because….We like to move it!

Click here to watch the MacDonald School video!

At Forest Hills School, we are dedicated to improving the physical activity levels of our students, staff and members of our community through engagement in activity at home and at school. Therefore, during the month of February, we hosted our first ever Falcons’ Fitness Frenzy which included the following activities:

Family Phys. Ed. Night- To kick off our month of fitness we hosted a Family Phys. Ed. night where families were encouraged to dig out their sneakers and come try a variety of physical activities that are implemented within our students’ PE classes, such as scooter board tag, Omnikin ball play, rubber chicken bowling, etc. Approximately 150 students and parents took part and left feeling exhilarated.

Physical Activity Bingo- At school, teachers are incorporating activity into their classrooms by completing various cross-curricular activities such as “Jumping Jacks Math” and “Hot Potato Spelling”. Each class was given a bingo card of activities to complete and to celebrate our success, students will soon get to enjoy a morning of winter activities with our Pals at Canaport- LNG.

Calendar of Wellness Activities- All 700 students in our school were given a calendar of activities to complete with their families at home during the month of February. Each day students were encouraged to complete an activity such as skating or eating a fruit or vegetable for a snack. Students who completed at least 20 activities were entered in a draw to win great wellness prizes.

Staff Buddy Challenge- Staff at our school were also encouraged to increase physical activity levels by participating in our Staff Buddy Challenge. Staff members were paired together and the aim was to exercise between 20-60 minutes each day. Random draws were held each week for participants who completed a minimum of 150 minutes of activity and the team who accumulated the most activity won a cash prize!

Forest Hills Falcons are committed to increasing physical activity levels! The attached video demonstrates just some of the fun activities that we do at our school.
Forest Hills Video Click Here

The students of Southern Carleton Elementary were able to extend their learning about wellness with the help of the Woodstock Junior A Slammers. Through SCES’s community partnership with the Slammer’s organization, all students at SCES were able to interact and learn from the Slammers about wellness and healthy living practices.

The Slammers visited SCES for nine weeks working with students from kindergarten to grade five. They shared personal healthy habits they used each day in their lives and provided information for the students to increase their healthy lifestyles. The students were active with the players as they moved through stations learning different physical activities and interacting with the players.

The program was very successful for both students and players. The students could be seen smiling and laughing with the players they see play hockey each week, as they had the opportunity to meet and work together. It was a very positive experience for everyone involved.

Participates in the Best Physical Activities…and has the Most Fun!!

What better way to enjoy being active and improving your mental, social and physical health than participating in outdoor activities. The students here at W.E.S. had the opportunity to go to Mactaquac Provincial Park for a day of fun and physical activity.

While we, the staff at W.E.S., always promote a positive healthy lifestyle with plenty of physical activity, it was a real treat to be able to go to Mactaquac Park and spend a day with Ian Smith and Ken Paul, both Outdoor Adventure Leaders. The day consisted of many activities that were not only for physical activity, but for mental and emotional fitness as well.

The students and staff participated in activities such as; snowshoeing, sliding, cross-country skiing and other activities/games that brought the entire school together for much needed closeness and togetherness.

From K-4, Kindergarten and all the way up to Grade 5, you could see all the smiles and sweaty faces enjoying a jammed packed day of fun in the snow. It was quite hilarious to watch the little ones attempt snowshoeing for the first time, their tiny boots fitting into the snowshoes and probably standing up better and longer than most teachers!

Sliding was next on the agenda for the day. As the weather cooperated with us for days prior to our outdoor adventure, we had plenty of fresh snow for making not only sliding, but all the days activities worthwhile and complete. The hills at Mactaquac are enormous! K-4 and Kindergarten students were directed to the hill that was a little less fearful and the older students took on the biggest hill with no fear or effort. I believe that our fearless leader, the principal Mr. McIntyre, even showed off his dare devil skills by flying down the biggest hill! This was such a great activity, because as most of you know, going down the hill is not a problem…however trampling back up the hill can be very challenging! Especially for the staff!

After having a nice BBQ Lunch, all the children participated in some games that were less intense and focused on working together to complete the task. This was great to watch as the older students were so gentle and kind to the younger students. As a teacher, this gave me a sense of happiness – we all could be outside on this beautiful day and enjoy these gifts of life. All the fresh air and rosy cheeks just seemed so rewarding.

For the rest of the afternoon, the older children went cross country skiing throughout the park and of course the day could not end without a few more trips down the hills. In my books, this was the most wonderful day. With all this wonderful outdoor adventure and physical activity, I could tell that the students and staff at W.E.S. would sleep well that night!

Click Here for the Wulastukw Elementary School Slideshow.

Teachers, parents and administration at Summerhill Elementary School were concerned about the cardiovascular health and physical activity lifestyles of our students. Students at our school had regularly scheduled physical education classes three to four times a week, but it was obvious that the time allotted for physical education was not enough to provide the recommended amount of physical activity for children. So, the physical education teacher decided to introduce a running/walking club at Summerhill to promote physical activity.

The first thing we did was to started slowly. Instead of going the recommended 1 km cross country route, we mapped out a track ? km long around the playground. This allowed students to go at their own pace (walk or run) and to build endurance and strength along with giving them a sense of pride and self-esteem.

Next, we got help!! Grade 5 volunteers to help set up cones, monitor the runners, pick up cones at the end, and keep track of the runners who ran the course. Volunteers set up the course during snack recess and students ran the race at lunch recess. The grade 5 volunteers wanted to run, so they would run through the course first then pick up their clipboards (with class lists on them) and check off the runners as they came through. We had around 60 runners out the first week.

To motivate more runners to come out we added an incentive, BEADS!! Each time the children ran the ? km course, they would earn a plastic bead. They accumulated each time they finished a run. Once a week we would announce a double bead day! As more students grew interested, the program expanded. After they accumulated 5 beads, students would earn a special bead (basketball or baseball bead) and a bracelet (black gimp), after 10 beads, they would receive a star bead (Summerhill Stars!), when they earned another 5 beads they would receive another star bead and so on. The program really grew quickly. Nearly two weeks into running the ? mile course, about 90 students regularly participated.

In addition to physical activity, the running program also aimed to promote leadership. Nearly 20 leaders were involved 3 times a week in set up etc. Also a Leadership Cluster class that met on Friday mornings was responsible for adding up the tallies and putting the beads in bags with student’s names on them.

After a couple of weeks of running the ? km run, we changed the course so it was longer and in a different environment. We changed the length of the course to .80 km for grade 3 students, 1.0 km for grade 4 students and 1.20 km for grade 5 runners. We moved the run from the playground area to a wooded area very near the school. Grade 5 student leaders helped set the course up at snack recess and also helped as monitors as the students ran through the course. We also had at least one teacher monitoring the runners as they travelled through the woods. The double bead incentive was added permanently for anyone who ran the longer cross country course. There were now over 100 runners at lunch recess running Cross Country, three times a week.

The run was opened to all students in grades 3, 4 and 5. We practiced on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for two weeks. We held a Summerhill Cross Country Meet on Oct. 19th. Parents were encouraged to practice with their children and then they were invited to come and watch their children run. Ribbons were awarded to all participants and 1st-7th place ribbons will be given out to all grades and both genders. The beads and bracelets will be given to runners in kids after the Cross Country Meet.

The Fit Kid’s running program at Summerhill Elementary was a huge success. From the student’s point of view, it was a fun activity to do at recess with friends; it was exciting to earn beads and get some exercise. From the teacher’s point of view, it was a great way to get kids involved during recess (helped with behaviour), encouraged physical activity and showed children how fitness can be fun – so they’ll be active for a lifetime!

We look forward to Fit Kids Running Club 2011!

SUMMERHILL ELEMENTARY BELIEVES IN “GETTING KIDS MOVING”!!

We’re a small school. We don’t even have a gym! But what we lack in facilities, we more than make up for in energy and spirit! So when we were looking for a way to ensure that everyone, and we mean everyone, got a little bit more physical activity every day, we came up with the idea of “Morning In Motion”! Every class, every morning, everybody joins in approximately five to ten minutes of moving to music right in their classroom. The music is upbeat and kid-friendly. Students from either the class or from our grade fives, lead the movement with stretches, bends, and aerobic dance moves! Some of the moves are pretty unique, complete with fancy names, but the goal is the same: to pump up everyone’s heart rate and mood. It is pretty hard to be in a funk when everyone is “busting a move” at 8:20 in the morning! And the results……students have said that they feel happier and fitter; retiring wallflowers are more confident; the student who comes to school each morning yawning and grumpy can’t help but perk up and smile; parents are offering to come and give Zumba and other dance instruction to our leaders; student tardiness is down; and a student with gross motor difficulties can now do jumping jacks! This is a case of a little bit going a long way! And our plans keep evolving. The next step is to video tape some of the new routines taught to our Morning In Motion leaders by community members and post them to our school website. When we first started, we worried that perhaps Morning In Motion might be skipped or omitted on a busy morning, but we need not have worried. Morning In Motion is so popular that it is never missed! Teachers find that their class is more focused and ready for the day after their Morning In Motion. For Kingsclear Consolidated, Morning in Motion is now an integral part of our morning opening ceremonies – O Canada, Announcements, and Morning In Motion!

OHS is a great school overflowing with students who are brave, strong, kind and welcoming. However, even with all of our wonderful students, it is very easy to get lost in the crowd. It is too easy to feel like you don’t belong, like you are the only one who feels the way you do, to feel that you do not have a voice.

What we wanted to do was come up with an event that would take over the school for about 15-20 minutes. An event that no one saw coming. An event that would have an effect on the entire school – administration, teachers, and students alike.

Our sole purpose was to give EVERYONE a voice. We plastered the school with posters with slogans like; “Why haven’t you noticed me?”, “You are beautiful.”, “I cut myself.”, “I feel fat.”, “You belong here.”, “I hurt.”, “I love you.”, “Fruit is to be eaten.”, “Closets are for Clothing.”…and so many, many more.

Then we painted the windows with beautiful words of love, kindness, and joy. One Window simply said “Please just listen.” It was powerful!

We then staged poses throughout the school where over 60 students were frozen in acts of human kindness. The school population was on break and they had to walk around all of these frozen acts of kindness. All the while, the intercom system was blasting out the music you hear in the video that combined all of the words on the posters and windows.

Finally, the song Lean on me began and we started a flash mob in the most populated area of the school. We began with one student dancing to the music then 3, then 10, then 15, then 25, then 40 and by the end we had over 90 students dancing the same dance to the same music with handmade t-shirts on that said on the front, “You think I am.”….and a list of stereotypes and on the back “But I am ME!”

It was a moment to allow everyone to feel joy, to feel a sense of belonging, to smile and enjoy a great moment in their day.

Afterwards, we had so many students come up to us and tell us that for once they did not feel alone. That they knew there was someone else here who felt the way they did.

It was a proud, proud moment for OHS!!
Click here for the video!

We’re fans of wellness in New Brunswick schools!!! A whopping 66 schools across the province, a total of 28 French schools and 38 English schools, submitted their school’s wellness story with a vibrant photo or video taken during the described activity to our School Contest! Of those 66, 4 lucky schools (2 french and 2 english) will win a Learning Opportunity Grant of $1,000 to host a wellness event in their school and/or in partnership with their community. Enjoy reading these School Wellness Story entries. The Boom Boom Clap team is currently reviewing all entries. Winning schools will be announced in April.

Hi, my name is Robert Lloyd Levy and I’m from the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. I was asked to do a brief testimonial of my experiences with smoking cigarettes and how I was able to quit.

I started smoking when I was 9 years old and by the time I was 14, I was smoking 3 packs a day. One day, when I was 14, something happened that changed my life forever.

I was working in Maine, USA and I had missed my ride to work and I didn’t want to miss any work, so I decided to run to work. There was no sense hitch-hiking because we were 5 miles in the woods with no traffic.

After about 20 minutes or so, I experienced something that I’d never felt before. I started to get tired, I was running out of breath, I felt pain (a different kind of pain) throughout my body, but yet I felt invigorated. I felt focused, I felt a sense of satisfaction and that I could do anything!

When I finally got to work, I started to cough really badly and my boss came to me and said, “I knew you would make it to work somehow and by the way, it’s those cigarettes (he pointed to my shirt pocket), that are making you cough like that.”

I decided right then and there to quit smoking. It took me almost 3 weeks to finally kick the habit (I could not do it cold turkey).

After that day, my life, my dreams, my whole purpose changed for the better.

I went back home, did upgrading, moved to Moncton, New Brunswick and went to a community college to further my education.

When I lived in Moncton, I enrolled in Martial Arts and Boxing. For the next number of years; I lived, worked and trained in Moncton. I eventually moved back home to Big Cove (it was still known as Big Cove at this time), and because of my athletic background, I landed a job as a Recreation Director. For the next 15 years, I worked at my job and I also taught boxing and kick-boxing.

I eventually got involved in Band Politics and became a Band Councilor and after 8 years as a Councilor, the people in my community gave me their ultimate trust and confidence and elected me as Chief of the largest First Nation in the Maritimes.

Today, I’m 54 years old, I’m happily married (25 years), we have 4 beautiful children, 3 grandchildren, 20 god-children and we brought up countless foster children. I still work out and still teach boxing and kick-boxing.

It’s been over 40 years since I stopped smoking and when I think back to that day, when I missed my ride, I truly believe it happened for a reason. God works in mysterious ways.

Robert L. Levy

P.S. Interview done by my children, Vanessa-14 and Tiger-12.

With the pending closure of one of our two bridges in Fredericton, I knew it was time to take action on active transportation.

With the support of my husband to manage little ones in the morning, I set off on foot to run to work on the southside of Fredericton. What a great opportunity to set a positive tone for the day and fit in a nice workout prior to starting work.

I find I am more relaxed, focused and energetic as the workday begins and I feel great knowing that my run has contributed to a healthy, active lifestyle.

At the end of the day, I run back across the bridge and come home with the energy to play with my kids and relax after their bedtime.

Maybe running isn’t your choice, but trying to find ways to make healthy choices within your day really does make a difference. Good luck on your wellness journey!