St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS offers a unique program to help elite student-athletes excel

BY PAUL JUNOR

Starting in September 2023,St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS will offer a unique program that will help elite student-athletes excel in both their academic and athletic lives by providing: support, flexibility, and facilities all within a publicly-funded school. Students who are accepted into this innovative and creative program will follow a flexible schedule that allows them to obtain Phys Ed credits while they are simultaneously in training.

The opening of this High-Performer Athlete Program (HPA) will be the second one in the YCDSB. The school located in downtown Aurora at 278 Wellington St. E., has several features that make it a world-class facility. These include: an artificial turf sports field, three gymnasiums, a full track, and a state-of-the-art fitness room.

Peter Parente, Principal of St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS states in the press release, “Our school community couldn’t be prouder to host the High Performer Athlete program. Our school has a long tradition of supporting student-athletes and historically, has offered such a wide variety of athletic and co-curricular experiences for our students.

Our teams have experienced much success in YRAA and OFSAA sanctioned events and have competed internationally. We have dedicated teacher coaches who inspire our students to achieve excellence in the classroom and on the playing field. It just makes sense to have an HPA program here. We know what exceptional student-athletes need and we can provide it.”

Applications to the HPA program commenced on Monday, November 21^st, 2022. Applications can be completed online at the school website: smkh.ycdsb.ca. The final date for the completed application package is Friday, December 16^th, 2022. To be enrolled in the HPA, student-athletes must participate in: provincial, national or international competition and be involved in at least 15 hours per week of training.

Some consideration will be made for students who compete at the regional level. HPA coordinators will work with coaches, trainers and organizers to ensure the highest level of support is afforded to our student-athletes. Parents who live outside the school’s boundaries and outside of York Region can still apply to the HPA program. If children are accepted, they will be responsible for transportation.

An open house was held on Tuesday, November 29^th, 2022, in which grade eight students and their families had a chance to visit St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS and learn about the benefits of the HPA program.

Any parents, guardians, or caregivers living in York region can check the following:

Website:smkh.ycdsb.ca