Our Lady of the Way School celebrates Catholic Education Week

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

On Thursday, May 7, during Catholic Education week, Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton was again demonstrating with Voyageur Days why it continues to glean awards of excellence. OloW is small primary Catholic school with an enrollment of 86 Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8 students.
OloW was the only school in the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and indeed one of only a very small percentage of the schools in Canada to be recognized with a Platinum Award by Physical Health and Education Canada.
The Platinum Award is the highest level Quality Physical Education award presented to schools that provide all students with a well-planned program of physical education instruction 3-4 times a week for the entire school year. Platinum Award schools provide a minimum of 150 minutes of class instruction each week, according to the PHE website.
Thursday’s Voyageur programme was only one component of Catholic Education week at OloW School. Trips to other area schools to enjoy their presentations and a performance by the School Band at two Fort Frances Schools in appreciation of the musical instruments donated by those school were also included says Brendan Hyatt, principal. An effort to make activities inclusive in make up of the senior band. It includes all the students in Grades 5 through 8, everyone contributing to their ability with the emphasis on everyone, explained Hyatt.
Voyageur day at OLoW held annually, generally during winter festival, focuses on the Voyageur heritage of the area with a combination of physical outdoor events that simulate skills and cultural aspects. River crossing, wood piling, bannock baking, and a good, old fashion potato sack race were activities participated in by all with a remarkable demonstration of cooperation as more senior students assisted and cheered on their junior grade teammates and kept their bannock baking from getting too charred.
After a wildly strenuous morning, the horde inhaled a massive lunch, more varied, nutritious, and delicious, than any voyageur of centuries past could ever even have dreamed of.
Sated they settled down on the gymnasium floor for a presentation by Kim Jo Bliss of Emo on wild fur harvesting. Questioning and comments were intelligent, spirited and stimulating reflecting an attitude of rural closeness to the land and nature. This is a stark contrast to the irrational hysterics on fur harvesting currently sweeping much of the European community.
Fuelled and stimulated, but disciplined, the students rushed back outdoors to complete a full day of activities. Themes for the day might be summed as: ‘You just might be a Canadian if...’
‘you’ve ever worn a canoe as a hat.’
‘you’ve ever practiced fording a river on a piece of cardboard’
‘you’ve ever piled firewood as a recreational activity’
‘you’ve ever baked bannock on a stick over a campfire’
‘you’ve ever brought an empty potato sack to school for a PE game’