Our Vision

The Griffith Woods Physical Education program is intended to instill in students; through a variety of physical activities; the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding so that students take responsibility for their personal physical and emotional well-being.  

Physical Education & Wellness: 2023/2024 

 The Phys Ed department would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back for this school year.  

We know that you may have questions. It is our goal that this will provide answers to some of those questions, when it comes to Health, Physical Education, Wellness, and Athletics, at Griffith Woods.  

All grade 5 to 9 instructional groups will have Physical Education each day as a grade group from Monday through Thursday for 55 minutes. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 4 will have their Physical Education classes for 30 minute blocks, and will generally be in their individual instructional group.

Physical Education Team

Doug Jordan:  PE Teacher 5-9/Learning Leader PE/Athletics/Wellness dgjordan@cbe.ab.ca 

Steph Bailie:    PE Teacher 5-9  snbailie@cbe.ab.ca

Ali Goodman:  PE Teacher K-4  ahgoodman@cbe.ab.ca

 Brendan McGinitie:  PE Teacher 7-9/Humanities 8  bamcginitie@cbe.ab.ca

Proper Footwear & Clothing (K-9); Changing Expectations (7-9)

Students in grades 7, 8, & 9 will be required to change for indoor PE modules. The expectation is that students will be getting changed in the gym locker rooms, unless an alternative has been arranged with their PE teacher.  Students will be assigned their own locker, with a combination lock, in the changeroom. All valuables should be kept in their main locker.  Appropriate, comfortable athletic footwear (no sandals, crocs, flip-flops, heeled shoes, etc…) remains a requirement for all PE classes (Kindergarten to Grade 9), no matter whether class is inside or outside. It is an expectation that comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is worn. Examples of comfortable clothing would be leggings, shorts, loose fitted pants, t-shirts, hoodies, etc. For Grade 6-9 students, it will also be important from a hygienic perspective that students bring deodorant or antiperspirant in their backpacks to be used after their PE class. No aerosol sprays, colognes or perfumes. 

Storage of Student Belongings During Physical Education 

All student belongings (including backpacks, school materials, valuables) will be left in their hallway lockers or classroom prior to class. Students will be going directly to the location where they will be doing their PE class (Main Gym/Outside (for Grades 5-9) / Aux Gym for Grades K-4) and are not to bring anything with them that does not pertain to physical activity, with the exception of a water bottle.

Being Prepared to go Outside Year-Round (Gr. 5-9)

Physical Activity in our Canadian climate can be very beneficial and enjoyable as long as you are prepared for the weather conditions.  Classes will be expected to participate in PE outside at various times throughout the year. Please send your child prepared to be outside in a variety of weather conditions.  We cannot control ‘bad weather’, but each student can control whether or not they are wearing ‘bad gear/clothing’ to manage the weather outside. According to CBE policy, we are allowed to be outside in weather up to -20 degrees Celsius. Dressing in layers, bringing a change of socks, and having proper footwear will all make time outside more comfortable for your child.

Participation in Physical Education / Pre-existing Medical Condition   

We ask that if a student is to be excused from participation in PE due to any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that PE teachers are informed. This can be done with either a written note or email from the parent with the information of the condition and anticipated date of return to activity.  This enables PE teachers to be aware of anything that could impact participation in physical activity.   Know that all teachers in the PE team are modifying as many activities as possible- focusing on opportunities to have fun, get active, and to provide strategies for establishing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle (mentally and physically) for the school year.

Assessment

Forms of Assessment:

• Formal Observations, Performance Tasks, & Demonstrations
• Summative Module/Unit marks will be posted in Power School

PE assessment will be posted in MyCBE/PowerSchool.

Physical Education & Wellness Outcomes (Grades K to 6)

1. Demonstrates and Refines Movement and Active Living Skills

Organizing Ideas

• Active Living: Developing physical literacy through movement and active living supports well-being across a lifespan.
• Movement Skill Development: Developing physical literacy through movement and active living supports well-being across a lifespan.

2. Demonstrates Skills to Support the Well-Being of Self and Others

Organizing Ideas

• Character Development: Exploration of life opportunities and virtues develops resilience and personal talents and promotes lifelong learning.
• Safety: A lifetime of optimal well-being is supported by prioritizing health and safety.
• Healthy Eating: A lifetime of optimal well-being and physical wellness is supported by prioritizing nutrition and healthy eating.
• Healthy Relationships: Personal well-being is supported through positive relationships built on communication, collaboration, empathy, and respect.
• Growth and Development: Decision making that optimizes personal health and well-being is informed by understanding growth and development.
• Financial Literacy: Informed financial decision making contributes to the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities.

Physical Education Outcomes (Grades 7 to 9)

1. Performs and Refines Movement Skills

• Students will acquire skills through a variety of developmentally appropriate movement activities; dance, games, types of gymnastics, individual activities and activities in an alternative environment; e.g., aquatics and outdoor pursuits

2. Cooperates To Demonstrate Fair Play and Teamwork 

• Students will interact positively with others

3. Explores and Applies Strategies For Leading A Healthy, Active Way Of Life 

• Student will understand, experience and appreciate the health benefits that result from physical activity
• Students will assume responsibility to lead an active way of life.

Health Education

Makes safe and healthy choices based on experiences and information

• Students will make responsible and informed choices to maintain health and to promote safety for self and others.

Develops skills to form and maintain healthy relationships

• Students will develop effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate responsibility, respect and caring in order to establish and maintain healthy interactions.

Explores roles and responsibilities to work towards life and learning goals

• Students will use resources effectively to manage and explore life roles and career opportunities and challenges.

Sexual education content: Pursuant to Section 50.1(2) of the School Act, you as a parent/guardian may request that your child be excluded from the sexual education instruction, without academic penalty, by having your child either leave the classroom or place where the instruction is taking place or where the instructional material is being used for the duration of that part of the instruction; or remain in the classroom or place where the instruction is taking place without taking part in the instruction or use of the instructional material.

Please sign and return the student Exemption Form (when it is handed out) if you wish to exercise your right to exclude your child by one of the means indicated above.