New pilot program for high-calibre athletes in Oakville, Burlington, Milton

A new program that will allow provincial-calibre athletes from Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills to attend high school while also competing is being introduced next year.

Beginning next September, the Halton Catholic District School Board will offer a Regional Sports Pilot Program at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton.

The program will be offered initially for Grade 9 and 10 students and will expand to Grade 11 and 12 over the two-year span of the pilot.

“We know, based on feedback we have received from families, there is a high level of interest in a region-wide sports program,” said Jeff Crowell, superintendent of Education (Curriculum Services).

“This is the first program of its kind across our district, and the staff at St. Francis Xavier are excited to explore this unique opportunity for students.”

There are two pathways to the Regional Arts Pilot Program.

Pathway A will be available to full-time students and will offer advanced instruction in multisport environments along with specific programming to develop physical fitness, athletic performance and a healthy lifestyle.

Two physical education credits will be earned in Grades 9 and 10, and a minimum of one physical education credit in Grades 11 and 12. Courses taken in Grades 9 and 10 will prepare students to enrol in the Sports Specialist High Skills Major in Grades 11 and 12.

Pathway B will be available to provincial athletes and will offer students a modified timetable to allow for the training and competition demands for their respective sport.

Students will have the option to attend a variety of in-person classes along with e-learning and Prior Learning Assessment Recognition opportunities to earn credits while training at a provincial level.

“There are so many benefits to the Regional Sports Program,” said Adriano Perusin, principal at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School. “Students who enrol will participate in a specialized health and physical education program that challenges them both academically and physically.”

An information session has been planned for students and families who wish to learn more about the program on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier, 1145 Bronte Street S.

The information session will provide additional information about the Regional Sports Pilot Program, as well as details about the registration process and timelines.