Panthers “on the move” at St. Joseph School

Fitness-a-thon held as fundraiser for River Canard school

Posted By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo

Posted 19 days ago

Students at St. Joseph School participate in Australian Rules football as part of the school's Fitness-A-Thon held last Thursday. Proceeds benefitted the school.(Photo: Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo)

RIVER CANARD — Students at St. Joseph School were busy last Thursday but it wasn't with the regular reading, writing and arithmetic.

The students were taking part in the school's first fitness-a-thon entitled "Panthers on the Move." Activities ranged from Australian Rules football to European handball as well as various kinds of tag and even some hip-hop dancing thanks to student volunteers from St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School.

"What we're trying to do is get the students to understand that fitness is a life skill," said teacher/organizer Rene Bujold. "Everything is designed to maximize participation from every child. It's huge fun."

Students also had a 20-minute workshop with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit on nutrition and health. Each student also received an apple.

Students were encouraged to gather pledges from family and friends with the school being able to secure donations from local businesses for door prizes. The grand prize was the chance to see Disney on Ice from a luxury suite at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Despite cool and damp conditions, Bujold said they still heard nothing but positive feedback from everyone.

"They all seemed to have a good time," he said.

Proceeds went back into the school for various supplies and expenses such as field trips. Bujold said they hoped to raise enough so that they wouldn't have to hold a fundraiser next year as they are aiming to do it every two years.