Light of Christ Catholic Schools and Living Sky School Division collaborated with MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition ... Do it!) from the University of Saskatchewan Jan. 15 to host a family engagement event for pre-kindergarten students and their families.
This supper event focused on games, healthy eating and building community amongst the parents and their children’s school and friends. Lindsay Charabin, curriculum co-ordinator from Light of Christ Schools, who co-organized the event, said se was thrilled that more than 250 participated.
In the two North Battleford school divisions, pre-kindergarten teams organize family engagement opportunities each month as a way to build community within their classrooms and to connect the families and schools. The MEND event was one such activity.
While this event targeted pre-kindergarten students, MEND is a free, interactive program offered for children two to four, five to seven and seven to 13, where children and their families are empowered to become fitter and healthier.
MEND's program manager, Nancy Lackie, explained the goal of the program is to have parents and caregivers join their children each session to learn about how to choose healthier food and spend more time being active. The twice weekly sessions are a mix of family activities that show how just a small change can make a big difference, through demonstrations, games, tips about healthy food, label reading and portion control.
The goal of MEND is to create non-judgmental learning environments for kids and families. MEND is offered in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina, Prince Albert and La Ronge, For more information contact Nancy Lackie at 1-844-899-6363.
