As the school year progresses, phys-ed (PE) 10 at Fernie Secondary School has become a pivotal part of the physical education journey for students, many of whom are facing this as their final year in PE. While physical education remains a graduation requirement, grades 11 and 12 offer elective choices—making this year especially significant. Localized programming is designed to build essential life skills while reflecting the unique opportunities for active living in Fernie and the Elk Valley, empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to safely participate in activities long after graduation. Fernie, with its stunning natural backdrop, offers unique adventures for students, and throughout the year, students engage in community-oriented activities such as camping at Elk Lakes in October and strength and conditioning sessions leading up to their exciting experiences in cross-country skiing this December. December’s journey began in the school gym, where I introduced students to the basics of strength training in a teacher-led environment. Under my guidance, students learned about proper gym etiquette and safety. Although this initial exposure was foundational, the real exploration happened at Evolution Health and Fitness. Here, students discovered the weight room, high intensity group fitness, yoga, and spin classes in a more independent setting, allowing them to inquire and practice their skills under the supervision of their teacher and instructors. This experience fostered confidence and encouraged students to explore the equipment and workout routines that aligned with their individual fitness goals. With their newfound strength and knowledge, students transitioned to the Fernie Nordic Society Trails, located just behind the school, to practice the fundamentals of cross-country skiing. They focused on essential skills such as gliding, falling, controlling speed, and turning. This preparation culminated in an adrenaline-pumping ski outing at the Fernie Nordic Centre beside Fernie Provincial Park on the last day of classes before the holidays. Students eagerly powered up hills using their herringbone techniques and skillfully manoeuvred through turns, the thrill of the slopes igniting their spirits. After an exhilarating morning on the Nordic trails, students celebrated their accomplishments with a cozy lunch at the Fernie Nordic Society cabin. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter as students savoured homemade holiday treats, part of a PE assignment encouraging them to share family favourites. It was the perfect way to cap off an exciting day— friends, food, and fantastic memories! The support from local businesses has been invaluable! With heartfelt thanks to Scotty, owner of Evolution Fitness, for creating a welcoming environment for exploration. Martin Theroux from Switchback Strength played an integral role in organizing the programming at Evolution Fitness and organizing instructors for gym activities, while Ashley Springle and Selene Michaud introduced students to yoga and spin classes, enhancing students’ fitness education. Also a big thank you to Fernie Nordic Society for their generosity in providing groomed trails and welcoming students at the Nordic Centre. Additional appreciation goes to the Sparwood United Steel Workers and the Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society for their financial support, which aids programming and local adventures. The contributions of families, chaperones (Mike Boronowski and Robyn Dunfield) and students have been essential to the success of these activities. These local adventures help equip students not only with valuable skills but also with the confidence to pursue their active living goals, fostering a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Great hustle everyone, Mr. Gulyas.

Students thrive in strength training, cross country skiing

Great hustle everyone, The support from local businesses has been invaluable! With heartfelt thanks to Scotty, owner of Evolution Fitness, for creating a welcoming environment for exploration. Martin Theroux from Switchback Strength played an integral role in organizing the programming at Evolution Fitness and organizing instructors for gym activities, while Ashley Springle and Selene Michaud […]

Great hustle everyone,

The support from local businesses has been invaluable! With heartfelt thanks to Scotty, owner of Evolution Fitness, for creating a welcoming environment for exploration. Martin Theroux from Switchback Strength played an integral role in organizing the programming at Evolution Fitness and organizing instructors for gym activities, while Ashley Springle and Selene Michaud introduced students to yoga and spin classes, enhancing students’ fitness education. Also a big thank you to Fernie Nordic Society for their generosity in providing groomed trails and welcoming students at the Nordic Centre. Additional appreciation goes to the Sparwood United Steel Workers and the Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society for their financial support, which aids programming and local adventures. The contributions of families, chaperones (Mike Boronowski and Robyn Dunfield) and students have been essential to the success of these activities.

These local adventures help equip students not only with valuable skills but also with the confidence to pursue their active living goals, fostering a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.

With their newfound strength and knowledge, students transitioned to the Fernie Nordic Society Trails, located just behind the school, to practice the fundamentals of cross-country skiing. They focused on essential skills such as gliding, falling, controlling speed, and turning. This preparation culminated in an adrenaline-pumping ski outing at the Fernie Nordic Centre beside Fernie Provincial Park on the last day of classes before the holidays. Students eagerly powered up hills using their herringbone techniques and skillfully manoeuvred through turns, the thrill of the slopes igniting their spirits.

December’s journey began in the school gym, where I introduced students to the basics of strength training in a teacher-led environment. Under my guidance, students learned about proper gym etiquette and safety. Although this initial exposure was foundational, the real exploration happened at Evolution Health and Fitness. Here, students discovered the weight room, high intensity group fitness, yoga, and spin classes in a more independent setting, allowing them to inquire and practice their skills under the supervision of their teacher and instructors. This experience fostered confidence and encouraged students to explore the equipment and workout routines that aligned with their individual fitness goals.

While physical education remains a graduation requirement, grades 11 and 12 offer elective choices—making this year especially significant. Localized programming is designed to build essential life skills while reflecting the unique opportunities for active living in Fernie and the Elk Valley, empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to safely participate in activities long after graduation. Fernie, with its stunning natural backdrop, offers unique adventures for students, and throughout the year, students engage in community-oriented activities such as camping at Elk Lakes in October and strength and conditioning sessions leading up to their exciting experiences in cross-country skiing this December.

Mr. Gulyas.

After an exhilarating morning on the Nordic trails, students celebrated their accomplishments with a cozy lunch at the Fernie Nordic Society cabin. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter as students savoured homemade holiday treats, part of a PE assignment encouraging them to share family favourites. It was the perfect way to cap off an exciting day— friends, food, and fantastic memories!

As the school year progresses, phys-ed (PE) 10 at Fernie Secondary School has become a pivotal part of the physical education journey for students, many of whom are facing this as their final year in PE.