Norwell District Secondary School has offered two new programs that began in the first semester.
The Hockey Skills program and the Arts Performance Project (APP) program were offered to Grade 9 students who applied with only 25 accepted into each program.
Each program was a two-credit value. Hockey Skills gives students one geography and physical education credit and the APP program offers students credits in drama and English.
The hockey program taught students how to improve on their hockey skills. The program was held at the Palmerston arena. The APP program taught student the dramatic arts and how to be a good performer. It also taught students how much work goes into a performance and about lighting and backstage elements. They had the opportunity to work in the Drayton Festival Theatre two or three times a week.
Hockey program participants Dallas Frey and Tate Driscoll said the program was a positive experience.
“It enhanced our basic hockey skills that we thought we already knew. It was great to be in a different environment than just the typical classroom to start high school,” said Driscoll. “It’s something I recommend to any girl that loves hockey and wants to improve their skills. This semester there were only three girls but I think anyone can do it who is willing.”
Frey said, “It’s something I will never regret taking and it helped me in my first year of high school. You don’t need much skill because we start at the beginning but you need to have commitment to practice and then you will see improvement. I would say I sucked at the sport when I joined but now I’m capable of being on a competitive team.”
Asked about the APP program Kendra Burnett said, “Going into high school I didn’t really know what to expect. I’m not a super confident student, so joining the APP program was something out of my comfort zone. But doing it taught me how to be confident on and off stage. It showed me how much work goes into a production and made me appreciate the arts more. The skills I learned in this program can now be applied to everything I do.”
Burnett added, “Each person has a story and you need to walk in their shoes for a mile before you can truly understand, or in this case act the role of many amazing characters. I fully recommend this to anyone. You don’t need experience you just need the willingness to try and be okay with getting out of your comfort zone.”
After plenty of positive feedback from students, teachers and families the school announced it will offer a Grade 11 APP and Hockey Skills program in September of 2016.
“Thank you to all who let their children be a part of this experience and we hope to see more students benefit from all of the new programs and classes Norwell DSS has to offer,” school officials state.
Submitted by Breanna Frey
