PEPY In The Classroom: Week 2 Highlights
Nicks letter.
It's with immense joy that we share the exhilarating successes from Week 2 of "PEPY in the Classroom"! Our journey this week has further fueled our commitment to youth leadership and wellness.
Wednesday Wonders We visited Mrs. Leeson's group, which, to our delight, had expanded thanks to the buzz created by students from the previous retreat. Their collective enthusiasm reached new heights, setting a precedent when EVERY student eagerly volunteered to lead an "Energy Bounce" - a first for us! Their initiative didn't stop there; a spontaneous Bounce during recess showed their genuine excitement for the PEPY movement.
We are thrilled to recount an extraordinary week with the middle school leaders who have shown an incredible zest for the PEPY initiative. The level of preparedness and the spirited response to our activities have truly set a new standard for student engagement.
Unprecedented Enthusiasm: During one of our sessions, when Steven introduced the Energy Bounce, every single student was eager to take the lead – a groundbreaking moment for PEPY. Their hands shot up, not to participate, but to guide their peers, showcasing a breakthrough in student leadership and confidence.
Idea Generation Overdrive: Their “Snowball Ideas” session was a landslide of creativity, with students eagerly proposing to lead future events. Over 30 crumpled sheets filled with their thoughts and proposals. They made it clear: they are ready and willing to lead at upcoming events.
Empowered by Support: The group’s anticipation for the upcoming PEPY wellness day was palpable. They are not only looking forward to and grateful for any support from our corporate sponsors but are also expressed a desire to contribute through traditional bake sales and selling PEPY merchandise. Yep, they love the brand and even had some cool ideas to enhance it with their own cool ideas. Their initiative to start a PEPY Movement reflects a commendable blend of enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit. A big energy boost that will be needed to do the 77,000 EICS micro-burst wellness activities in March 2024!
A Teacher's Initiative: As we concluded, we were pleasantly surprised by Mrs. Leeson, who initiated an unscheduled brainstorming session but built on meticulous planning she has done for the March Wellness Day. She diligently sought the students’ input for the March Wellness Day, involving them in planning and dividing leadership roles. This level of dedication from an educator is inspiring and shows the depth of commitment our teachers have to student empowerment.
The manner in which she engaged students in defining leadership roles and a sense of ownership and purpose left us leaving in awe of the proactive spirit within the school.
The Impact: This week has not just been about activities and planning; it's been a vivid demonstration of the potential that lies within our youth. The drive they have shown assures us that the PEPY wellness day will be nothing short of phenomenal.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to St. John Paul II for an unforgettable afternoon. It's experiences like these that reinforce the transformative power of the PEPY program. We are looking forward to more such inspiring sessions and are eager to witness the continued growth of our students as leaders. For our potential sponsors, this is a glimpse into the future you could help shape.
Friday's Flourish Our visit to OLPH with Miss Gartner and Mr. Haugan greeted us with a group of highly motivated middle schoolers, some of which were added to the youth leadership team through essay applications.
The group was a little quiet and sleepy to start, we get it’s Friday and the end of the week. But the Energy Bounce got the room moving and the grooving and shook off the early morning calm.
The LEGO Build got more than a little competitive – the tower got moved to the floor and had students up high to create the biggest masterpiece we have seen yet. It even stayed standing until Nick had to dismantlee it, with the help of several students which was super cool.
The students then showcased their problem-solving and leadership skills by learning to draw the PEPY Dots from memory followed by LEGO building activities which helped to reinforce the dynamic balance that is needed to help build resilience and level up your mental health and wellness. It’s a joy to see how the hands-on engaging activities contribute to the joy of learning and teamwork.
They advocated for more art-based projects and physical activities for their June Wellness Day, aiming to celebrate PEPY with their Indigenous Teachings Day in an outdoor setting. Thank you for inviting us to join Aime!
Another Amazing Energy Bounce!
More Amazing Snowball Ideas and Feedback
Afternoon Adventures Friday afternoon we hopped over to EPK with Monsieur Holden (Dan) and Madame Marie. As we were setting up in the music room, Dan shared that the students were learning songs from around the globe.
The smaller group size of Grade 4 students didn't deter the kids from matching the energy of the workshop. Their perseverance in activities like drawing and understanding the three PEPY Dots (plus nine baby dots) and collaborative LEGO builds was admirable, displaying resilience and team spirit. Their enthusiasm for PEPY was evident, with queries on how to acquire their PEPY hoodies and a unanimous vote on having snacks as an essential part of the program.
Snowballs!
Dynamic Balance Activity
What was the one hard thing to do when you combine the towers? It was a bit tricky? Answer: Balance! Dynamic Balance!
Learning Observation: When we tried to keep the Wellness Tower in Dynamic Balance working together made it easier, Right! It’s the same for your wellness. Wellness is a Journey we go on with others. You don’t have to do it alone.
Was it easier to build the mini towers one brick at a time vs trying to combine three mini towers all at once? Answer: Building the tower in smaller pieces, like one brick at a time also made it easier ! That’s how our wellness works! We need to pay attention to each dot, keep them balanced, do it little by little.
Final Reflections and Anticipations The adjustments made throughout the week were met with positive feedback, and we find ourselves growing with each school interaction. We eagerly anticipate Week 3 and more inspiring moments with our future leaders.
To our dedicated teachers, your involvement is the cornerstone of PEPY's success. And to any new school districts and partners thinking about joining the movement, your support can amplify these experiences, enriching the lives of these bright young minds.
Together, let's continue to Stay PEPY!
Warm regards, The PEPY Team