The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) has announced it is beginning a specialized hockey program in a Trenton school, after the success of the first such program launched previously in Kingston.
The new Hockey Skills Academy will be at École élémentaire catholique L’Envol in Trenton and offer students in grades 4 to 8 a unique opportunity to participate in hockey-focused training sessions. The school is currently awaiting approval to operate as a licensed Hockey Canada Skills Academy.
This program will allow students to receive training from a certified Hockey Canada coach, access ice time at the Duncan Memorial arena and develop their individual technical and tactical skills in an inclusive environment. In addition, it will be possible for students who wish to continue their learning within this program by enrolling in Grade 9 at Kingston’s École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier that launched its Hockey Canada Skills Academy in 2019.
“The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est is proud of the new hockey program in Trenton because the board is always looking to offer its school communities programs in French that connect to students’ interests,” said CECCE Chair Johanne Lacombe. “Families in Trenton have already started to express their interest in this program, which we expect to be very popular.”
“This announcement is great news for francophone students in Trenton. As a former teacher myself, I have seen how transforming the learning experience motivates students to succeed in school, and I’m sure this program will have a positive impact on their school success,” added trustee Michel Charron.
Director of education Marc Bertrand said this unique program which will allow L’Envol school to stand out among the French-speaking institutions of Trenton. He also adds that “for many students, hockey is a passion and being able to practice it during school hours, starting in 4th year, certainly has significant positive effects on their school engagement. The integration of sport into the lives of students also helps to develop their self-esteem and discipline, while instilling in them notions of physical and mental health to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
