The ?Bulldogs in Schools? program is a wonderful opportunity to connect our players and our community schools. Bulldogs players have been involved in this program for several years,doing a great job at providing positive role models to the students.
This year we started in September, with interested players applying to the program, preliminary criminal record checks and interviews. Selections were based on the player?s character, personality and ability to work with students of various ages, as well as their potential as a mentor.We have 13 enthusiastic Bulldogs hockey players who are keen to work in our schools,support our students and make a difference.The players went through a training program to prepare them for involvement in the schools. School district coordinators and coaching staff meet regularly with players to provide ongoing training and support.
This year we have seven local schools who have ?Adopted a Bulldog?.
NMS-Brody Lynott, Curtis Tonello, Ryan Corbiell
EJ Dunn-Trent Dorais, Matt Hatch
Alberni Elementary-David Dziurzynski, Scott Lewan
Gill Elementary-Josh Mitchell, Nick Cecere
Howitt Elementary-Johny Rogic
8th Ave Elementary-Frank Riddle, Jesse Halikas
ADSS- Kevin Ross
We are hearing many positive comments from players, staff, parents and students alike. The players are proving to be wonderful role models and mentors. They are making real connections with the students and modeling positive skills and behaviour. The players have the opportunity to participate in many different roles. These roles vary from serving toast at breakfast club and helping with lunch hour games, to assisting with academic support. They work in classrooms, small groups or with individuals. The most important role they play is that of a mentor. They are forming connections and bonds that will provide memories for a life time. The players model and share a message of hard work, positive attitude, the importance of school & community and achieving goals. When playing with students they encourage fair play, cooperation, respect and teamwork. They support our students by being in the schools, forming relationships and letting them know it has not always been easy for them. They remind students that dreams can come true with hard work and perseverance.
In the New Year the boys will receive further training to conduct a variety of classroom presentations, which will be available to all Valley Schools. These topics could include: staying in school, solving problems peacefully (bully prevention), goal setting/personal planning, making healthy choices, sharing their stories about the life of a young hockey player, etc?
Ways the players make a difference.
? Mentor a student ? spend regular time building relationships with students through sports, games, reading, art, etc.
? Welcome students – as they enter school
? Tutor students ? assist a teacher to tutor students in various subjects
? Fitness ? assist a teacher during PE, join school wide ?run for fun?
? Lunch/Recess ? play games (soccer, hockey, etc) and model/support good sportsmanship. Provide more structured play and supervision for those students that need it
