RELEASE — École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier launched its brand-new Hockey Canada Skills Academy (HCSA) on September 6th. Grade 7 to Grade 10 students now have a unique opportunity to make hockey training part of an educational experience unlike any other in the Kingston region.
Through this partnership, students can participate in a program developed and tested by Hockey Canada and draw on the expertise of a Hockey Canada-certified coach. This year, 40 students in grades 7 to 10 will have a chance to develop their individual technical and tactical skills in an inclusive environment.
“The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) is very proud of its partnership with Hockey Canada. The CECCE is committed to providing its students with programs in French that reflect their interests,” said CECCE Chair Johanne Lacombe. “Kingston families wasted no time expressing interest in the program, and enrollment is at an all-time high this year. With so many families excited about the program, we will be opening it up to students in grades 6 to 12 for the 2020 school year.”
Director of Education Réjean Sirois is delighted with this unique program, which sets École Marie-Rivier apart from Kingston’s other francophone schools. As he pointed out, “The goal of the program is to develop players’ athletic skills as well as their confidence, self-esteem and discipline. The skills students acquire through this program will serve them well for their whole lives.”
Hockey Canada echoes that sentiment. “Hockey Canada is pleased to welcome École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier to the Hockey Canada Skills Academy family. Our organization knows that Marie-Rivier staff members are dedicated to improving their students’ educational experience by offering the HCSA program. Hockey Canada applauds the school’s commitment to developing the technical skills of individual students who currently play hockey and to giving all students an opportunity to play hockey,” said Teal Gove, Manager of Hockey Development at Hockey Canada.
This year, École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier also introduced a dynamic, revamped vision for education that focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering and math into everyday learning situations. As announced in January, the UniverSTEM program is creating a wealth of learning opportunities for everyone at École Marie-Rivier, and the HCSA is a great fit with the program’s sport component.
Diverse options: A new dance program at Marie-Rivier
Young people are passionate about sports and the arts, which enable them to express themselves, grow and thrive. That’s why the CECCE also announced that, in addition to the Hockey Canada Skills Academy, École Marie-Rivier will be offering an exciting new dance program to all students in grades 7 to 10 beginning in the 2020-21 school year. The school is partnering with local organizations to diversify its program offerings so that every student can choose arts or sports. The Board will soon be unveiling the list of partners who are on board with this major initiative to help Kingston students pursue their passion for the arts by exploring different styles of dance, including ballet.
The CECCE is a leader recognized for transforming the learning experience, for the excellence and caring of its Catholic schools, and for its synergy with the community. With nearly 25,500 students attending its 44 elementary schools and 13 high schools, as well as its school for adults, the CECCE is the largest Canadian network of French-language schools outside Quebec.
