Hello Norway Parents and Guardians, allow me to introduce myself as the new Phys Ed (PHE) Teacher, Mr. Fowlow. It's been great so far getting acquainted in the school, and has me looking forward to an awesome year ahead. I taught PHE and coached at Diefenbaker Elementary last year, and look forward to competing against them this year with Norway!

Below are some important points of information for the year to come. Going forward, some information will certainly be delivered via email, as well as this Norway Athletics Updates Slideshow. This slideshow is where I will strive to keep current with the most updated and pressing info. Feel free to bookmark it if you'd like to stay up to date!

Safety: Please ensure your child has appropriate footwear for running during PHE. I also often take the students outside for class, so if they have shoes they can run outdoors in, that is ideal. Crocs or boots are not ideal for running as they can lead to injury. I have told students that I am not allowed to let them run in their crocs, for their own safety. 

Also, students with long hair may want to have an option to tie their hair or contain it during PHE class. This can make things easier and safer for all. Hair ties or something of the like would be good for students to have. Finally, please ensure students are always appropriately dressed for the weather, to make outdoor learning possible and enjoyable for all. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Soccer: (TIME SENSITIVE)

Tryouts begin next week! Please see the attached pdf for more details on exact timings. They take place before school on our field, and you must have given them permission via Excursion Management Application (EMA) in order for them to try out. Here is the link, just select Athletics, then Soccer Team, select the gender, and the rest should be straightforward. Big thank you to Community Coaches Callum and Emily for helping to coach this season!

Any issues with EMA, here's a help link.

Call to parent volunteers/coaches! You are what makes so much of what we can offer to the students possible. I'm looking forward to getting to know and working with you this year. I would love to hear from any parents who have an interest in helping to coach a certain team this year. To be eligible, you have to have a valid Police Reference Check (done once and renewed yearly). Most caregivers have already done this but if you are not sure, you can contact Kim Grasby in Norway's school office. Beyond this, you would just have to attend a very brief TDSB Community Coaches Meeting to get your Coaching Card. Please reach out, and if we are able to find enough teachers also willing to volunteer their time (one staff must be present at all times), then we can likely make a team happen! 

I will also be grateful to know of any parents who are willing to volunteer their time as support for certain events. Drivers are critical to get to/from events, as well as help managing students or areas during large busy events such as XC/Track and Field.

All school sports teams will require permission slips, this is done through Excursion Management Application (EMA). You will be notified when a team is occurring, and invited to register your child. Here's a link in case you need any assistance, which contains further links if needed for more specific support.

Cross Country (XC) practices will take place during morning recess, and students have been informed that if they would like to represent Norway in XC they will earn this spot by completing KM club everyday. In a few weeks time they will be assessed during PHE periods on if they are able to run or jog without stopping their required distances. 

Contact: Please reach me by email at jackson.fowlow2@tdsb.on.ca

Conduct: The students are learning that their engagement and place on school sports teams is based on both skill and energy. When we say energy we mean both the effort they bring to the athletic endeavour, and also the energy they bring to the space and the people around them. A place on a team is never a guaranteed privilege, they must compose themselves as someone we would want to represent our school and its values. 

Please refer to slides 4-7 (linked here) where you can find the TDESSA (Our Board's governing athletic body) Code of Conduct for Parents, Students, and Coaches. For future reference they will always be the final few slides of the Athletics Updates Slideshow.

Thank you once again for your time, and always please reach out with any questions, comments or concerns. 

GO NORWAY GO!!!

All the best,

Jackson Fowlow