Re-Imagining Intramurals with Aurora Grove Public School

A group of students stand in a circle around a hula hoop that has been laid on the grass of a school field. Most of the students have their back to the camera and are listening to a student wearing a surgical mask.

Ophea’s Sector Spotlight aims to illuminate the bright spots within the education sector through recognizing the critical work being done by community members and value-aligned organizations, and its impact on student and staff well-being. This initiative also aims to strengthen connections between the Ontario education sector and organizations serving equity-deserving groups through raising awareness of the resources and services available to Ontario educators. Read on to learn about the featured Spotlight, Aurora Grove Public School. 

Quality intramurals are focused on ensuring every student can experience the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits from participating in, contributing to, and/or leading intramural activities at school. Ever wonder how might Intramural Guiding Principles help to re-imagine recesses? 

Ophea had the opportunity to work, support, and learn with Aurora Grove Public School staff on gaining a deeper understanding of the skills required and supports available for meaningful physical activity planning and beginning to consider how these key skills can be applied to provide meaningful and inclusive physical activity offerings during recess.  

Tell us about your school.  

Aurora Grove was built in 2000 in the Greater Toronto Area suburb of Aurora Ontario. There are approximately 540 students who attend kindergarten to grade 8.  It is currently a holding school for a new subdivision of residences in the area.  There are approximately 300 students who are bussed into the community.  There are over 37 different languages spoken by the  students and their families and 20 % of our students were born outside of Canada.

What is one thing you wish people knew about this initiative?   

The Play Leader program not only builds leadership skills in our grade 4 students but it fosters relationships between the kindergarten and junior students.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your school staff and/or school community?

More than half the number of our students who attend the school are bussed each day. Our staff strives to create a school community that is inclusive and welcoming to all identities. We want our school to be an extension of our community.   

What advice would you give to a school wanting to start a similar initiative in their school and/or board?  

Schedule touchbases with the Play Leaders every couple of weeks so they can share their successes and challenges. It keeps them engaged and accountable. 

What is an upcoming initiative that you are excited about?

We’re looking forward to the Play Leaders learning some low-org games they can facilitate with the Kindergarten students in winter. 

Contact Ophea at info@ophea.net to learn more about this initiative and check-out @OpheaCanada on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram where we highlight the fun and innovative efforts we find on social media promoting inclusive intramural programs! 

 

A group of students stand huddled in conversation in a paved schoolyard. On the ground around them is various equipment for physical activity and games.
A group of students stand in front of a row of hula hoops that have been placed on the ground. One student is tossing an object towards the hula hoops while the rest observe and wait their turn.
A group of students stand in front of a row of hula hoops that have been placed on the ground. One student is tossing an object towards the hula hoops while the rest observe and wait their turn.
Group of five students sitting on the ground. Their legs stretched out and connect to form the shape of a star.
A group of students stand in a circle around a hula hoop that has been laid on the grass of a school field. Most of the students have their back to the camera and are listening to a student wearing a surgical mask.
A large handwritten poster taped to a wall reads: “Re-Imagining Intramurals Learning Lab”. The following statements appear beneath the title, each written in a different colour marker: “Student-centred”; “Offer a variety of opportunities”; “Encourage meaningful connections”; “Inclusive for every student”; “Encourage collaborative leadership”; “Physically + Emotionally safe”. Portions of other posters can be seen below.
A group of students stand huddled in conversation in a paved schoolyard. On the ground around them is various equipment for physical activity and games.
A group of students stand in front of a row of hula hoops that have been placed on the ground. One student is tossing an object towards the hula hoops while the rest observe and wait their turn.
A group of students stand in front of a row of hula hoops that have been placed on the ground. One student is tossing an object towards the hula hoops while the rest observe and wait their turn.
Group of five students sitting on the ground. Their legs stretched out and connect to form the shape of a star.
A group of students stand in a circle around a hula hoop that has been laid on the grass of a school field. Most of the students have their back to the camera and are listening to a student wearing a surgical mask.
A large handwritten poster taped to a wall reads: “Re-Imagining Intramurals Learning Lab”. The following statements appear beneath the title, each written in a different colour marker: “Student-centred”; “Offer a variety of opportunities”; “Encourage meaningful connections”; “Inclusive for every student”; “Encourage collaborative leadership”; “Physically + Emotionally safe”. Portions of other posters can be seen below.