As parents and adults, we have come to realize how important, rich, and rewarding participation in our community activities has been for our quality of life. The research is showing that students who participate in extracurricular activities benefit from the many opportunities provided by the events. Gains from participating in extracurricular activities include higher self-concept, better school attendance, higher standardized test scores and higher educational attainment.
Extracurricular activities in Mountain View School Division provide an avenue for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom. They provide students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a practical context of real-world situations, and are therefore considered part of a well-rounded school education. Those extracurricular activities in Mountain View School Division can help students build professional skills, as well as skills that cannot be learned in the academic environment of the classroom alone. The activities can help expand students’ social circles and also allow them to pursue their interests. Having to contend with school and extracurricular activities encourages students to build good time management skills.
Almost every school, and particularly the high schools in Mountain View School Division, offers some type of extracurricular activity, such as student council, music, volunteer opportunities, educational travels, student voice, sports, etc. These activities offer opportunities for students to learn athletics, the values of teamwork and team spirit, individual and group responsibility, competition, social diversity and the need for community.
Student Voice activities, for example, aim to promote student engagement and achievement in Mountain View School Division by listening to and learning from students. This gives students an opportunity to share their experiences, expertise, opinions and ideas with their school and the division to improve student learning.
Participating in Student Councils gives students valuable insight in governance within a greater society. At many schools in MVSD, Student Council is a group of mainly elected student volunteers who work together with a staff advisor within the basis of pre-set procedures, to provide a means for students to assist in school activities. This gives opportunities for student experience in leadership and communication skills, and encourages student, school staff and community relations.
School sports encourages the students to participate in activities that will assist in learning about healthy living and in promoting physical, social and emotional values. Below are the Sport Principles of the Manitoba High Schools Athletics Association:
- Go for It – Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.
- Play Fair – Play honestly – obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.
- Respect Others – Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
- Keep it Fun – Find the joy of sport. Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field.
- Stay Healthy – Place physical and mental health above all other considerations – avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.
- Include Everyone – Share sport with others. Ensure everyone has a place to play.
- Give Back – Find ways to show your appreciation for the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.
Participating in extracurricular activities reduces the possibility that a young person would participate in illicit activities or indulge in drug and alcohol use. The evidence is clear: it is important for schools, communities and parents to provide more extracurricular opportunities for our students. While it is a fact that some extracurricular activities are expensive - and for many families, those activities may be cost prohibitive and out of reach for their children - there are a myriad of activities provided by schools and community organizations that provide opportunities for the development of positive self-worth, teamwork, leadership skills and community connections.
Finally, without a doubt, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years has been devastating for family connections, extracurricular sports, and face-to-face group activities. This situation has challenged many of our families and educational communities when it comes to our relationships, well-being and mental health. We are all relieved with the conditions that have precipitated changes in the health and safety precautions, and the lifting of restrictions that were placed on group activities. Many of our team sports have resumed their activities, and Mountain View School Division will continue to support those activities that will provide enhanced extracurricular opportunities for students. We wish those participants in extracurricular activities success in the remainder of the school year!