To help introduce more physical literacy and Indigenous Education, St. Kateri Catholic School has built and designed a special Indigenous Trail. The trail helps students take a movement break that is purposeful, powerful and mindful. Part of the process involves focusing on breathing, using muscles and connecting to their thoughts. Kateri staff are teaching students how to use the trail as a strategy to regulate/calm themselves for learning improvement.

All the artwork was created by St. Kateri teacher Erin Coffin, who worked on the trail for the past three months. She laid the trail down with the help of her husband Mark Coffin (GPCSD Director of Facilities), Chris Lacsina (Custodian), and her father Emerson Coish. “We wanted to continue to improve how we teach Indigenous Education and to make it even more meaningful for our students,” said Erin Coffin. “It is an awesome way to combine physical literacy with Indigenous Education, our students love trying it out on the way to their home room or during indoor recess.”

The Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools Education Foundation, donated $1,000 towards the creation of the St. Kateri Trail. This year the Foundation has donated $5,500 towards various school initiatives and projects. Twice a year (February 28/Nov 30) the Education Foundation accepts applications from District staff, for School initiatives which are not normally funded through Alberta Education. $2,000 have been donated to St. Kateri (for the trail and for sensory equipment), $3,500 to Mother Teresa Catholic School for an Outdoor Classroom, Yoga program, Student Exchange program (Quebec) and Music Classroom supplies.

Information provided by the Grande Prairie Catholic School District.