FOCUS : WILL DAILY COMMUNITY BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVE LEARNING,SOCIAL SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS,NOW AND IN THEIR FUTURE? PREPARE STUDENTS TO COMFORTABLY ACCESS ALL COMMUNITY BASED FITNESS ACTIVITIES SOME GOALS ACHIEVED BY STUDENTS INCLUDE Improved peer support and friendships being forged with students getting together outside of school to take part in physical activities. Improved personal hygiene. Increased activity outside of school including walking to school and accessing community programs. Improved school attendance. Improved self regulation during the fitness program and other classes. Increased comfort in taking part independently in community activities. Increased knowledge of available community based programs. Increased and improved interaction with the public.

Student Feedback The variety of activities are always fun and we have the opportunity to take as much time as needed to learn and become good at the activities

The smaller class size allows students to feel confident trying new activities. Large class size is often intimidating and does not allow the time needed to become comfortable and successful at an activity

We love riding in the Vanier van and feel like an important member of the team.

I do better in my other classes knowing I’ll get a fun, physical break outside the school in the community.

Everyone has fun and nobody gets upset because we support each other.

We are learning to be more organized with our personal belongings, like swim gear. We need to be on time and we are learning to read the calendar and document our activities.

We feel more confident interacting with the public and paying our fees during our activities

Camaraderie and Friendships

Future Goals Double block class for extended activities. Include activities in Comox and CFB Comox. Learn to ride city transit to activities. Include all prep students. Incorporate nutrition aspect in program. Prepare and distribute information to students for free community access programs.

We are gaining knowledge of community based programs that we will be able to access for the rest of our lives. We are taking part in physical activities out side of school hours with our peers.

COMMUNITY FITNESS PROGRAM TEAM MEMBERS