Physical Education

Physical Education Information

Welcome to Clearspring Middle School Physical Education! Our P.E. program is intended to promote lifetime physical activity for all students. Students can expect to participate in a variety of activities in P.E., including:

• LOW ORGANIZED GAMES such as Mission Impossible, Yoshi, Fresh, Bocce
  • the emphasis in low organized games is on Fair Play and Rule Knowledge
• POPULAR SPORTS such as Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Ultimate, Rugby, Football
  • the emphasis in these sports is on Skill Development and Application of Skills
• PERSONAL FITNESS DEVELOPMENT activities including 12 minute runs, beep tests, and fitness circuits
  • the emphasis in fitness classes is on personal improvement and performance, not on meeting pre-determined standards
  • students will learn about proper exercise form and running techniques, and the components of fitness

Our P.E. programs provide age appropriate introductory skill development at all grade levels. Students looking for higher level skill development and competition are encouraged to participate in our extra-curricular sport programs; we currently offer the following sports, according to season…

• Cross Country Running
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Badminton
• Dragon Boat Racing
• Track and Field
• Soccer

All students are expected to participate in Phys Ed to the best of their ability at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who teaches P.E. at CMS?

Mr. Trevor Paton, Mr. Paul Reimer, and Mr. Meyson Martens.

2. Do I have to get changed to participate in P.E.?

All students, in all grade levels, are expected to change into clothing appropriate for participation in vigorous physical activity. These clothes should be different from the clothing being worn during the rest of the day. This clothing includes the following:

• a T-shirt or sweatshirt
• shorts OR sweatpants OR track pants
• a pair of athletic shoes that can be securely fastened to the feet
• these items should be kept in a gym bag
• we recommend that P.E. clothes be kept at school for the entire school week, and are brought home on the weekend to be washed

3. What kind of deodorant can I use?

We encourage the use of deodorant or antiperspirant at the end of P.E. class. Most P.E. classes will be vigorous, and if a student is participating properly, s/he will be sweating at the end of the period. Use of deodorant or antiperspirant will prevent body odour from becoming an issue during the school day. Students are asked to avoid using strong scented deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes and body sprays in the change rooms, out of respect for those in the school who are sensitive or allergic to strong scents.

4. What happens if I forget my P.E. clothes?

All students are expected to participate in all P.E. activities. While we strongly encourage the use of P.E. clothing, students will be required to participate in class even if they do not bring P.E. clothes, as long as it is safe and appropriate for them to do so.

5. What kind of shoes should I wear for P.E.?

P.E. shoes should be athletic shoes that can be secured tightly to a student’s feet. The soles should not leave marks when scuffed against polished surfaces (referred to as “non-marking” shoes). They should provide adequate ankle support so as to prevent injuries to the ankle through sudden stops, and support the arch of the foot which in turn supports the knees and helps prevent injury. These shoes should be purchased for the purpose of being worn in the gym in P.E..

6. Why can’t I participate if I don’t bring my P.E. shoes to class?

When students do not bring their P.E. shoes to class and attempt to participate in their outdoor shoes/boots, there are a number of negative consequence that can result, including:

• injury to the student resulting from footwear that is not designed to support athletic movement
• bringing dirt, mud, sand, salt, and/or bark mulch onto the gym floor. Aside from making a mess, these substances can damage the finish on the floor, making it difficult for students to maintain proper traction and increasing the likelihood of injuries occurring during normal participation
• bringing snow and/or water onto the gym floor. Water on a gym floor is very dangerous for 2 reasons; first, it is very slippery, and second, it is hard to see. Slipping on a wet gym floor is very dangerous because the individual is not expecting a change in traction; this can lead to a wide variety of injuries.
• it is more difficult for a student to learn skills properly when they are not wearing shoes meant for physical activity (try doing a layup in gum boots…it is very difficult!)
• shoes that are not intended to be worn in a gym are very likely to have “marking” soles that leave rubber marks all over the floor.

7. What happens if I am unable to participate in class?

We believe the learning in P.E. is just as important as the learning that takes place in every other part of the school. Therefore, students who are unable to physically participate in class are still responsible to learn the concepts that are taught. A student who can not participate will be provided with a journal that will help focus their attention on the day’s lesson. Proper completion of the journal should demonstrate the student’s understanding of the concept(s) learned on a particular day, and can be used for assessment purposes. Students who are excused from physical class participation are asked to bring a note from their parent or doctor explaining the purpose of non-participation.

Students who are unable to participate in class due to improper footwear or injury will usually be assigned an alternative PE experience in the fitness room, where they will be expected to participate at a level appropriate to his/her individual situation.

8. Why do I have to take my jewelry off to participate?

The Government of Manitoba has set out guidelines for safe participation in P.E. and extracurricular activities. In general, students are required to remove all rings, earrings, necklaces, studs, bracelets, watches and any other jewelry that could become caught in equipment or clothing, potentially causing injury to the individual or others. There are some situations where cultural or religious expectations require that a student wear certain forms of jewelry at all times. Situations such as these will be dealt with on a case by case basis, informed by the guidelines of Manitoba Education.