Health and Physical Education programming at St. Mary’s helps students develop a commitment to lifelong healthy, active living and develop the capacity to live satisfying, productive lives. Healthy, active living benefits both individuals and society in many ways – for example, by increasing productivity and readiness for learning, improving morale, decreasing absenteeism, reducing health-care costs, decreasing anti-social behaviour such as bullying and violence, promoting safe and healthy relationships, and heightening personal satisfaction. Research has shown a connection between increased levels of physical activity and better academic achievement, better concentration, better classroom behaviour, and more focused learning. Other benefits include improvements in psychological well-being, physical capacity, self-concept, and the ability to cope with stress.

Grade 9 Healthy Active Living (PPL1OF - Female; PPL1OM - Male; PPL1OI - Mixed)

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.

Grade 9 Healthy Living and Rhythm and Movement (PAR1OI)

This course is offered for students who like moving to music and are interested in improving their personal fitness through dance. Fitness is emphasized throughout the course which includes varied cardiovascular types of instructions such as cardio-kick boxing, step-aerobics and different types of dance. Also offered is a personalized body-sculpting program which includes weekly weight training sessions with the goal of improving personal body image, self-esteem, and level of fitness. Students will examine issues related to healthy sexuality, healthy eating, substance use and abuse; and the use of informed decision making, conflict resolution and social skills in making personal choices.

Future Courses:

  • PPL2OF/PPL2OM/PPL2OI – Grade 10 HPE for students who took PPL1O, PAI2OF/PAI2OM/PAI2OI – Grade 10 HPE for students that did not take phys ed in grade 9, PAR2OI – Grade 10 Healthy Living and Rhythm and Movement
  • Senior course options include:
    • Healthy Active Living Education
    • Healthy Living and Personal Fitness
    • Health for Life
    • Introductory Kinesiology