HPEC Conference 2023 Highlights and Award Winners:

Submitted by: Sonia Sheehan, HPEC Vice President Communications

On Thursday May 4, 2023, the annual HPEC Conference returned to its full “in-person” glory at Lethbridge College.  Health and physical education teachers from around the province were able to gather together for an amazing PD experience in Alberta’s beautiful south end of the province. Hats go off to Jonathan Dick and his small but mighty conference team for organizing an outstanding HPEC Conference 2023.  The conference kicked off with pre-conference sessions highlighting the new Alberta Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum and Sports Medicine Taping and Strapping sessions. HPEC Presidents from past years were honoured at the HPEC Past President’s Reception. During the official opening ceremony the keynote speaker, Laval St. Germain, shared his incredible stories of adventure. The conference opening also recognized teachers who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in the field of health and physical education in the province of Alberta.

The 2023 HPEC Distinguished Service Winner: 

Elisha O'Lain

The 2023 HPEC Certificate of Commendation Winners:

Corey Gunther        Calgary Region

Maren Roberts        Northwest Region

Darren Anderson    Greater Calgary Region

Jordan Johnson      Northeast Region

Kathryn Stack        Edmonton Region

Kaylie Klaiber        Southeast Region

Corey Lougheed    Central West Region

Congratulations to all the HPEC 2023 Award Winners!
 
The HPEC Conference 2023 program did not disappoint. Thank you goes out to all the presenters who shared their expertise.  Sessions included a wide range of topics, such as: Pickleball, Australian Rules Football, Human Sexuality, Snowsports, Omnikin, Smashball, TGFU, Intramurals, Lacrosse, Yoga, Self-Reflection, Self-Regulation, Outdoor Learning, Mental Health, Concussion Prevention, and many more. As always, the HPEC Friday night social was a highlight with a “Beach Party” theme.  Conference delegates enjoyed a fun evening of beach games while dressed to enjoy a tropical evening. 

The annual HPEC Conference is not to be missed.  It provides teachers with incredible professional development and collegial interactions.  Watch for details to attend HPEC Conference 2024 in Edmonton on the HPEC website: www.hpec.ab.ca

HPEC also offers conference grants to HPEC members (teachers and pre-service teachers) to provide financial assistance to attend conference. Apply today and plan to be a delegate at HPEC Conference 2024 in Edmonton.

https://www.hpec.ab.ca/hpec-membership-conference-grant17
https://www.hpec.ab.ca/hpec-pre-service-teacher-grant17

Foosball Tag

Submitted by: Kerry Wiebe, HPEC Membership Conference Grant Recipient

Age: Grade 7-10

Materials:  stopwatch, scorechart, pinnies

Objective:  to get through the foosball “table” as many times as possible in the time allotted to score one point for each successful journey.

I play this game as a warm up game.  Depending on your class size will depend on the space you need.  Could be played with a minimum of 12 students and up to 40 if you have the space!

1.  Divide your class evenly into two teams using pinnies.  One team will be the “ball” or runners.  The other team will be divided evenly on lines within the “table”  to be the little people defending.

2.  I suggest 2-4 students on each row ( line) as defenders.  Defenders can only move side to side on the designated line, much like the foosball “people”.  Defenders can only tag runners in front or beside them.  No tagging behind their line.  Depending on class size, I will use either the volleyball court lines as my table or the basketball court lines.

3.  On the word “go”, the runners on mass will try to get to the other end of the foosball table without getting tagged.  They cannot fall off the foosball table.  Meaning, they have to stay in bounds.  If they get tagged, they must return to the start and try again.  Remind them that this is a relay and they are trying to score as many points as possible in 3 minutes, for example.

4.  If they are successful in making it to the opposite end of the table, they should return to you at the starting end by running back to you on the outside of the table ( playing area) so they do not collide with the runners attempting to go through the table.  Award a point for each successful student, and they continue until the time is up.

5.  After the first group goes, have the teams switch places.  The second team is trying to earn more runs ( points) than the first team.

6.  The team with the most successful runs through the table wins.

It is a good game, as no one sits out or is eliminated, and players will come up with some creative strategies!  Have fun!