PEPY in the Classroom: Week One Key Takeaways.
Day 1: Take Away One
St. Mary’s Grade 10s with Mr. (Darby) Murphy and Mrs. (Kathy) Bohaychuk
Saw Grade 10 students diving into PEPY activities. Initially skeptical, students found themselves enjoying the unconventional approach (it did not feel like curriculum). The energy in the room was tangible, especially when Emmanuel led the Energy Bounce, demonstrating leadership and charisma. Their Pocket PEPYs, stamped for each completed Microburst, were a hit, signifying personal growth and engagement.
Day 1: Takeaway Two
OLMP with Mr. (Josh) Stang HS then Mrs. (Becky) Gump(inger) MS:
At OLMP, Jake, a Grade 11 student, showcased the power of inclusivity with an impressive Energy Bounce. He embodied the “Here Comes the Sun” PEPY spirit, highlighting the importance of shared energy in fostering a sense of belonging.
The session ended with students playfully challenging the teacher “Energy Coaches” to see if they could memorize and name all nine PEPY Micro-bursts plus each dots individual wellness scores, proving that PEPY resonates across age groups.
Day 1: Takeaway Three
This week, a student's heartfelt plea for PEPY's longevity shone through, emphasizing the need for a wellness program that endures and impacts life beyond school. Her words echo a call to ensure PEPY's lessons and benefits last, influencing the well-being of future generations.
Her voice reinforces our duty to cultivate PEPY as more than a fleeting initiative but as a cornerstone of our educational culture. Let's embrace this as our mission: to plant the seeds of PEPY deeply, fostering a lasting movement for our students' lifelong wellness. This is the heart of our work—creating change that lasts.
Day 2: Takeaway Four
Inspirational Assembly at Holy Redeemer:
Miss (Emilie) Sarnecki and Ms. (Leanne) Evans:
During the morning assembly, an electrifying Energy Bounce led by Steven united students from kindergarten to grade 8, each jump and cheer weaving a tapestry of community and shared purpose. This vibrant display went beyond exercise; it was a heartwarming demonstration of PEPY's core values, showing how collective energy can elevate and empower even in the early hours of a school day.
The "Sunflowers in the Snow" presentation that followed wasn't just a story; it was an inspiration. The story, featuring tales of personal resilience (plus a cute cat), captivated the students. It opened a gateway for discussions on grit and perseverance, linking directly to their current lessons. Steven's openness about his cancer journey not only held their attention but also sowed seeds of courage and determination. This wasn't just a morning ritual; it was an impactful learning experience that will continue to inspire and shape these young learners' perspectives on life's challenges and goals.
Day 2: Takeaway Five
In a display of true courage and growth, Madi emerged as a new leader during our PEPY workshop. To the surprise of Miss Sarnecki and her classmates, this young girl stepped forward to lead the Energy Bounce. Her enthusiasm was infectious, filling the room with a palpable energy that defied the day's technical challenges. This spontaneous act of leadership speaks volumes about the empowering impact of PEPY, demonstrating the program's ability to inspire confidence and initiative among students. It's moments like these that affirm the transformative potential of PEPY, showcasing its role in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
The resilience of the PEPY spirit was further evidenced when projector issues arose, and Steven adeptly adapted, bringing the workshop directly to the students with his laptop in hand. This flexibility in teaching mirrors the adaptability we encourage in our students.
Discussions with educators Emilie and Leanne revealed their commitment to embedding PEPY's values in the curriculum, considering innovative strategies like classroom jars for microburst tracking. Their forward-thinking approach, including the desire for an Energy Booth and thoughtful classroom management of Pocket PEPY, underscores a dedication to fostering an enduring wellness culture within the school.
Day 3: Takeaway Six
St. Nicholas Grade 4 with Mrs. (Barb) Rafuse, Mrs. (Allie) Norrie and Mr. (Peter) R the principal:
More technical gremlins left Steven without a projector again. Steven, undeterred engaged our youngest audience yet with a workshop masterfully tailored to their understanding.
Employing a garden analogy to represent mental health, he introduced concepts of nurturing minds as one would a garden, teaching them about the importance of tending to their mental well-being, recognizing the value of 'watering' the positive and 'weeding out' the negative. This approach not only captivated our young learners but also offered them a tangible way to visualize and cultivate their mental health.
This adaptability in teaching is precisely the kind of model PEPY aims to provide for educators and wellness coordinators. The ability to pivot and still deliver a message that resonates with the students' level of comprehension is a testament to the flexibility and depth of PEPY.
The children's grasp of the garden analogy indicates that even at a young age, they are ready to engage with and understand complex concepts when presented in an accessible manner. These moments of connection and understanding are what drive the PEPY program forward, inspiring educators to cultivate a thriving, resilient next generation.
In a heartening development that truly captures the essence of PEPY's integration into educational practice, Mrs. Rafuse has shared a glimpse into the organic incorporation of PEPY principles within her classroom. The PEPY 'coins' are not only becoming a part of her teachings on the pillars of faith but are also traveling home with the students, extending the lessons of wellness beyond the classroom walls.
This speaks volumes about the practical applicability of PEPY's concepts, as they weave seamlessly into the fabric of the students' daily lives and learning. We are eager to learn more about this innovative approach and look forward to receiving photos that capture these moments of learning in action.
DAY 4: St. Luke was cancelled/postponed due to extreme weather conditions.
Day 4: Takeaway Seven
SAB HS with Miss (Josie) Sorenson:
In the face of exams and the chill of extreme weather, the resilience of our students and the dedication of Miss Josie shone through. With a few friendly persuasions, a group was gathered, transforming empty hallways into spaces of engagement and creativity.
Despite initial hesitations, the students soon discovered that PEPY was far from the rigidity of typical curriculum—it was a canvas for expression, a space where fun met learning, and they were more than willing to dive in.
As Steven spoke, the students embraced their artistic sides, coloring and personalizing their Pocket PEPYs with joy. It was a vivid reminder of the importance of art in learning—never underestimate the power of creativity in high school settings. The act of selecting stamps and celebrating their Micro-burst achievements was more than an exercise; it was a self-recognition of their efforts and growth.
The feedback was genuinely insightful. Students appreciated the concise and fluid delivery of the workshops, expressing a desire for more content that resonated with their faith and a recognition of how PEPY's activities were harmoniously aligned with its teachings. Miss Josie’s observation that students were eager to share more ideas is a testament to the program's success in sparking thoughtful engagement.
The commitment to PEPY has only grown, with a follow-up workshop eagerly anticipated. The enthusiasm of the students is a beacon, guiding us towards a future where education and wellness walk hand in hand, creating a PEPY-inspired culture within our schools. This is the beginning of a journey that promises to enrich the lives of students and educators alike.
