Students enjoy provincially-recognized winter carnival

By Christy Marsters

NovaNewsNow.com

Hantsport School’s commitment to promoting outdoor activity received recognition from the provincial government for the Take the Roof off Winter Showcase.

Students spent a day sledding, skating and playing in the snow during the winter carnival Feb. 7-8. The outdoor rink and activities proved an inspiration for the province.

Grade 6 student Veronica Jay says outdoor days are fun. “I like being in the fresh air. “I got to play lots of fun games.” Jay added, “skating is the best part.”

Amanda Thomas, also in Grade 6, says skating is pretty cool and fun. “I like being outdoors.”

Principal Sean Bennett says it’s a real honour to be recognized.

It’s a very active town because of the volunteer and recreational supports offered to the students, Bennett said. “Our kids are really active kids and it’s a quality that has been instilled in them at an early age. The kids always have new things to do here.

“We’re really lucky to have a good sized rink also,” Bennett said. “The town has been a great in keeping these kids active. We’re fortunate they connect with the school so easy.

“There’s not doubt that if your active your healthier,” Bennett said. “Having a winter carnival allows the kids to get out and be with the teachers in a different perspective.

“It’s important to model and teaching healthy lifestyle is an important part of what we do. If we didn’t teach it then we’d be missing the boat on that one.”

Teacher Jeff Starratt volunteers his time with the outdoor rink in Hantsport.

Hard work goes into the rink but it’s a positive thing because in provides an opportunity for kids to do something good, he said. “It’s amazing to see how many kids use it.”

This provides an inexpensive activity for all ages, Starratt noted. “It’s a lifelong activity.”