Get Outside and Marvel!

Public Health agencies across Ontario are promoting a WinterWalk day this week. They are recognizing and promoting the benefits, not only for regular physical activity and leaving the car at home, but of getting outside. What an amazing world God made for us to explore: icicles, animal tracks, snow of various textures from powder to packing, trees with a variety of branching patterns and colours, migrating birds, and so much more. I recently read of an old fashioned Christian practice, called 'marveling' which involved taking walks every Sunday afternoon and finding things to marvel at and to share with others. When we take the time to 'marvel', we are appreciating the beauty and detail in creation, developing our sense of wonder, which translates into thankfulness to God for his creative goodness.

We have seen the traffic snarls around local schools at drop-off and pick-up times. Because almost all of our students are bussed from all over the city and county, walking to school is not an option. However, we can take advantage of the opportunity for parents and kids to get outside together and stretch those legs! Walking outside improves physical and mental health, creates a healthier environment, safer streets, opportunities to make friends and have fun! It's also a great cure for winter blues and helps students concentrate better in class.

Check out the Winter Walk I-Spy game at http://ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Winter-Walk-

 

C. Verbeek, Principal