Gros Morne Academy students and teachers put their walking shoes on as they embarked on a virtual walking journey from Port Aux Basques to St. Anthony in early February. Each day, students had the opportunity to enter the gymnasium at 8:25 a.m. to walk around the gymnasium with 12 laps encompassing 1 km. Physical Education teacher Ms. Gerrow recorded laps on a daily basis, as the journey continued. At the end of February, students arrived in St. Anthony after walking a total of 8112 laps around the gymnasium. As students engaged in this promotion of physical literacy, they learned about geography (mapping progress), math (counting by 2’s, 5’s for primary students), and the inherent value associated with engagement in physical activity, with emphasis on the keys domains of learning.

The amazing part of this journey is that once it was announced that students and teachers arrived in St. Anthony, there was collective happiness but also a level of sadness that the journey had concluded. Students met Mrs. Gerrow at the gym doors and requested a continuation of this endeavor, suggesting that we turn around in St. Anthony and continue to walk to St. John’s.

So, the walk continues, with a high degree of happiness, inclusiveness and dedication to improving physical health and wellness. Way to go teachers and students!