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Growing: FMPSD PEAK Athletic Academy
There’s a reason PEAK students are everywhere. Time-management is their forte, and a skill they’ve learned early on. PEAK (Passion, Excellence, Attitude, Knowledge) is Fort McMurray Public School’s (FMPSD) athletic academy. It is home to hockey, dance, soccer, basketball, cricket, and volleyball; and growing.
“PEAK has been a great experience. I really like that our teacher promotes a positive body image for teenagers because it is sometimes difficult for teens to be always positive about their shape,” shares Jane Gibson, who starting grade 9 at Ecole McTavish Junior High School this fall. She is in PEAK Dance Academy, stars in musicals, sings, and excels academically.
“I appreciate the academy teaches us injury prevention. Many of my friends lose dance time because of injuries. PEAK always has great guest speakers, who promote the business of dance. I also enjoyed researching the history of different dance styles. And most importantly, I love dancing; my teacher was a great role model and positive influence,” Jane adds.
Formerly known as the Edge School Skill Academy, PEAK was launched by FMPSD in 2015. It is housed at Ecole McTavish Junior High School, and has 190 students in all sports.
The new academic year will see Tom Keca join the District as a PEAK hockey coach. He is currently the coach and general manager of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and is a long-time community member. A graduate of Westwood Community High School, he was recently selected as the “Coach of the Year” in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“I started my teaching career at Dr. Clark School, and am excited to join FMPSD and PEAK. I’m an individual who needs a vision, and what PEAK stands for is exciting. It is a complete package, which develops leadership in class, community, and on the ice,” Keca shares.
Additionally, junior high basketball and volleyball will also be introduced at the Fort McMurray Christian School.
Krista Butz, Program Assistant, PEAK, speaks highly of the initiative.
“The PEAK Athletic Academy is not just about training and focusing on a specific sport. It’s the link between academics and athletics and driving students to be the best that they can be on the playing field, in the classroom and in their community. I enjoy seeing our student athletes become aware of their abilities and watching their leadership and confidence grow at school and in their sport. I am proud to be a PEAK family member both as staff and as a parent,” Butz notes.
Have a look at what we have in store for 2017-18:
- Introducing Junior High Basketball at Ecole McTavish
- Introducing Elementary Grade 3-6 Dance at Christina Gordon
- Introducing Elementary Grade 4-6 Volleyball at the Fort McMurray Christian School
- Introducing Elementary Grade 3-6 Hockey at Beacon Hill (with Tom Keca)
List of schools hosting PEAK activities and their confirmed sports for 2017-18 school year:
- Westwood - grades 10-12 Hockey
- Ecole McTavish - grades 7-9 Hockey, Dance, Soccer and Basketball
- Ecole Dickinsfield - grades 3-6 Hockey & Dance
- Christina Gordon - grades 3-6 Basketball & Dance
- Walter and Gladys Hill - grades 3-6 Cricket
- Fort McMurray Christian School - grades 4-6 Volleyball
For more information, or to register, visit peak.fmpsdschools.ca
