Holy Spirit
In a delightful gathering at Holy Spirit with Erin and Jackie, it was clear that the vibrant spirit of the students hadn't dimmed since their last encounter with PEPY. Their eagerness to re-engage and their readiness to voice their thoughts were commendable. Even with a gap since their last PEPY experience, the children's enthusiasm was reignited through the aid of Pocket PEPYs and other activities that raised their spirits and solidified their understanding of the importance of each wellness dot.
The joy that fills the room during our activities is infectious, and the genuine laughter becomes a gateway to learning. By linking fun to the significance of each wellness dot, we ensure the lessons resonate deeply.
The introduction of Bobito the kitten's video was a unanimous hit with our feline-loving group, capturing their hearts and attention. In fact this feline obsessed group (minus one young lady who is not a fan) asked to watch the Bubs video again at the end of our session. This endearing addition to our workshop underscores the importance of engaging content that speaks to students' interests.
The communication observed during the LEGO build was remarkable. Smaller group sizes allowed us to witness firsthand the students' mutual support, their encouragement through setbacks, and their collaborative spirit in stabilizing their structures—a true reflection of PEPY's community-driven approach to wellness.
The LEGO tower activity offered powerful insights into building wellness step by step, highlighting the collective strength found in community support. The students' collaborative spirit was a beacon of positivity, shining through even when their lego towers tumbled. They championed one another with words of encouragement, urging their peers not to be disheartened by the collapse. Their perseverance was a lesson in resilience, as they remained determined to rebuild their towers, demonstrating that setbacks are just temporary hurdles.
The symbolic construction of spiritual, social, and physical wellness through individual towers emphasized the need for balance and teamwork within the PEPY model.
The lego tower activity illuminated three poignant insights into the journey of wellness:
Incremental Progress: The students discovered the value of building their wellness piece by piece, mirroring the PEPY practice of nurturing each 'dot' or aspect of wellness methodically.
Collaborative Support: The exercise underscored the importance of community in the pursuit of wellness, showcasing how collective effort can enhance individual resilience and lead to more sustainable outcomes.
Holistic Integration: The challenge of combining individual towers representing the spiritual, social, and physical 'dots' highlighted the ongoing effort required to maintain a balanced and integrated approach to wellness.
A highlight was the opportunity for students to voice their thoughts and toss their ideas at Steven, culminating in a delightful and hilarious impromptu slow-motion video—a testament to the fun and interactive nature of the PEPY workshops.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Shakeshaft, Mrs. Logfren, Mrs. West, Mrs. Croft, and Mrs. Comartin, for continuously opening your classrooms to us and infusing PEPY's message throughout Elk Island Schools. Your dedication to enriching students' lives with wellness education is truly inspiring. Their contribution is pivotal in weaving PEPY’s teachings into the fabric of our school community, ensuring that the program is not just a fleeting moment but a lasting movement that enriches the lives of our students and educators alike.