APEs NEWS

Since September 2001, the
students of Chilliwack’s brand

— CHILLIWACK

new La Vérendrye high school

program have taken part in a
physical education course
with outdoor option. This
course enables students to

enjoy outdoor activities while

developing skills and an ap-

preciation for the region’s
natural and recreational envi-
ronment. The grade 7 and 8 |
students have also experi- |
mented with various sporting
and recreational techniques
since early in the fall.

To learn to make sensible
choices regarding the use or
purchase of outdoor equipment, the students first vis-
ited the Mountain Equipment Coop store in Vancou-
ver. An information-packed French-language presen-
tation taught them about outdoor clothing and equip-
ment. Later, still in September, the students took ad-
vantage of a superb day for a sunny stroll in Cultus
Lake Provincial Park. Several parents also accompa-
nied the group for this nature awareness activity.

We encountered the rather humid temperatures of the
dreary month of October during a camping trip to
Sasquatch Provincial Park. This outing, largely organ-
ized by the students themselves, enabled them to try
new experiences, such as pitching and striking a camp-
site, making fire, playing night games, hiking, and par-
ticipating in various outdoor games and activities.

Then, to compensate for the rains of November and
December, the outdoor education students were chal-
lenged with a rock-climbing course in Abbotsford. The
instructors at Flashpoint Rock Gym taught students
how to use climbing equipment properly, communicate
clearly with partners and spotters, and employ rock-
climbing safety techniques. The children also visited
Harrison Hot Springs just before Christmas to enjoy
the region’s warm thermal waters.

Since returning from their vacations, the children went
on an outing to Hemlock Valley ski hill for ski and
snowboarding lessons, based on students’ abilities and
preferences, in the abundant new-fallen snow.

Despite a hazardous journey, the ski day allowed
students to reacquaint themselves with the pleas-
ures of a white winter. Lastly, the Grade 6 class
joined us for a First Aid course given by Saint John
Ambulance. Success in this 12-hour course on han-
dling emergency situations and using the various
First Aid techniques is recognized with a First Aid
certificate that is valid for three years.

PAGE 12

During the coming months—as soon as the sun has re-
turned—we plan to bike around the Chilliwack region, try
out lake and river kayaking techniques, practise orienteer-
ing using map and compass, and end the year with a deep-
woods camping outing.

In short, the Chilliwack high school students will enjoy
the fresh air this year along with some of the stimulating
and enriching activities that the Chilliwack region has to offer.

It is also important to thank the people who have helped,
each in his or her own way, to make this course possible:
Marie-Claude at Mountain Equipment Coop, Richard at
Flashpoint Rock Gym, Héléne for transportation, Sheila
for the first aid course, Doug at Hemlock Valley, the es-
corts for their dedication, the parents for their flexibil-
ity, and the APE for its financial support. Thanks to all
of you. Remember to take time to enjoy the spectacu-
lar environment of this beautiful province !

Mariéve L’Abbé, Outdoor Education Instructor

TERRACE

We have decided to send along two photos (page 8)
of the two classes here in Terrace. The first photo
shows Kim Barriére’s Kindergarten-Grade 2 class at
Halloween. The energy level was high and the chil-
dren really joined in ! What laughter...and what tired
muscles the next day |!

The second photo was taken during the Christmas as-
sembly. In front of an audience made up of parents,
friends, and teachers, each child made some sort of
presentation and acted in a short play. The Christmas
assembly was an unqualified success and we are al-
ready eager to see what’s in store for next year. The
picture shows some of Mrs. Barriére’s students (K-2)
in the foreground, with several of Johanne Langlois’
students in the background. |

Eric Boucher, APE parent

INFO-PARENTS - FEDERATION DES PARENTS FRANCOPHONES DE COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE