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Thousand Islands Secondary School Launches Specialist High Schools Major in Health and Wellness: Fitness Focus

Thousand Islands Secondary School Launches Specialist High Schools Major in Health and Wellness: Fitness Focus

(Brockville) – Thousand Islands Secondary School officially launched its new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Health and Wellness on Wednesday, February 23.The program, which focuses on fitness, will not only assist students with access to college, university and workplace destinations, but will help them to make informed decisions about their future.

Students, staff, parents, community members and media visited the school to learn about what the program has to offer students who are interested in a career in fitness, health and wellness. The SHSM, which actually began at the beginning of the school year, is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.

“This program can help students with their future by opening new doors and helping them make decisions about what they might like to do,” said SHSM lead Dana Wykes.

The program involves four necessary pathway courses, focused learning in English, math and science through assignments, and a co-op in a related fitness field. Students taking part in the SHSM will learn through classes, field trips and specialized training. They will also gain valuable work experience and industry-recognized certifications in CPR, WHMIS, infection control and more.

By taking part in the program, students will develop specialized knowledge and skills while earning credits by customizing their education to suit their personal interest and talents. Once fully completed, students will receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed red seal which will increase training, post-secondary or workplace opportunities.

“Fitness SHSM students will take part in a variety of health and wellness leadership roles throughout the school by assisting with intramurals, sporting events and more,” said Wykes. “They will also be helping out with a healthy lifestyles book that is being created by teacher David Sheridan.

“In addition, students have had the opportunity to take part in field trips like rock climbing at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym in Kingston,” Wykes added.

Wykes said she’s been getting great feedback from both students and parents.

“Students feel like they are part of a group and working towards a life of being fit,” she said. “A number of parents have commented that this program will give their son or daughter motivation and a focus to excel in areas other than physical education due to the fitness aspect of some of the contextualized learning activities in English, math and science.”

Wykes said some funds from the program have been used to purchase exercise equipment like a stationary bike, a treadmill, an elliptical, a rowing machine and benches that can be used by all TISS students.

SHSM students Lyndsay Evoy, Brandon Gillespie and Luke Heine said they are enjoying the program so far.

“We’re learning good life skills,” said Evoy.

“This is good for university since I want to be a physiotherapist,” said Gillespie.

Heine said he appreciates how much he’s learned about the importance of warming up before a workout and cooling down afterward.

“This program shows students how to make their lives healthier,” said Heine. “It shows them about routine. It’s especially important because of the obesity problems in Canada.”



For more information please call:

Dana Wykes
Teacher
Thousand IslandsSecondary School
613-342-1100