Southwest Horizon Grade 8 Wellness Day

December 16, 2011

Wawanesa School

Wawanesa, Manitoba

On Dec. 16, 2011 approximately 130 grade 8 students from across Southwest Horizon School Division traveled by bus to Wawanesa for the Second Annual Southwest Horizon Wellness Day.

This day was organized by Southwest Horizon School Counselors with the intent of providing students with information on physical, mental, and social-emotional wellness.

Grade 8 students and staff participated in the following sessions throughout the very busy day.  The division was very fortunate in securing many knowledgeable presenters with a wide variety of topics.

Austen Radowits brought his message of Inner Strength to our students from Alberta.  Austen shared his story about the importance of safety equipment, the struggles of brain injury and rehabilitation, and how to move through the emotional and mental drain of being the victim of bullying. Austen advised students to: 

“Educate yourself, stand tall and be proud,

Take a stand against bullying,

 You are not alone and remember…..

 We can all make a difference!”

Anders Boulanger, professional magician and speaker entertained and educated the students about “How to be positive in a negative world”. His message included many techniques and ideas for creating a positive perspective, the role of perseverance and self-belief, social awareness and more, all the while wowing the audience with his magic.

Graham Milliken of the ‘Canadian Center for the Protection of Children spoke with students about cyber safety and cyber bullying.  Heather Ayre (formerly of Southwest Horizon and AFM) educated students with regards to current information on drug and alcohol related addictions.  Don Dietrich of Deloraine shared his inspirational story of overcoming and dealing with adversity, reminding students that we all have a daily choice about our attitude.  Do you want to be an Eeyore or a Tigger?!

Students also had a choice of participating in a Zumba dance session led by instructor Stephanie Emberly or a yoga session led by instructor Marissa Cline.  Students were treated to a healthy snack of muffins, juice and oranges by the Wawanesa School Peer Support group and left the Wellness Day with a Southwest Horizon tote bag filled with wellness information on topics including and beyond the ones discussed during the day.

If you have further questions or suggestions regarding this initiative, please contact:

Carolyn Cory

Student Services/Curriculum Coordinator

Southwest Horizon School Division

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

204-483-0063

Southwest Horizon Grade 8 Wellness Day

February 23, 2011

Hartney Collegiate

Hartney, Manitoba

On February 23, 2011, 115 Grade 8 students from across Southwest Horizon School Division met in Hartney Collegiate for the First Annual Southwest Horizon Wellness Fair.  The day began with a message from plenary speaker and entertainer, Anders Boulanger of AndersMagic.com. Anders spent an hour with the students exploring goal setting, the role of perseverance, cooperative work skills and social awareness, simultaneously entertaining with his magic feats!

Students were then treated to a healthy snack of juice boxes, muffins and oranges prepared by the Hartney Peer Support Group. Following the snack, students were split into three groups.  Each group attended sessions on the following topics throughout the remainder of the day.  Amanda Trelford of  Addictions Foundation of Manitoba presented information and answered questions regarding marijuana and ecstasy.  Graham Milliken of “Kids in the Know” program of Winnipeg presented up to date information regarding cyber safety and cyber bullying.  Deanna Kowalchuk, Outreach Worker for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society presented information on depression and suicide prevention.

Later in the afternoon, the group met one last time in the gym for a session of Zumba dancing led by Nancy Heide of Killarney. More than 120 students and staff danced to Latin music for a tough 30 minute workout. Students then received a Southwest Horizon tote bag, filled with Wellness information from groups such as Canadian Red Cross, The Canadian Cancer Society, SERC, Diabetes Association and more.

The day was organized by Southwest Horizon School Counselors with the intention of providing information with regards to the physical, mental and social-emotional needs of our students.  All participants have been asked to complete a feedback form and we look forward to using this information while planning the 2012 Wellness Fair.

If you have further questions or suggestions regarding this initiative, please contact:

Carolyn Cory

Student Services/Curriculum Coordinator

Southwest Horizon School Division

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

204-483-0063