Meet the 2007-08 HFK
Physical Education Department
Dear Parents:
Hello, and welcome to a great new school year! We are thrilled to start a new school year of Physical Education with your
children at Holy Family Parish School.
Our continuing theme this year is Confidence Through Cooperation! By integrating positive teamwork in P.E., students practice cooperative
skills, encouragement, and patience, while actively participating in games, movement, and sports. Activities in PE promote healthy living,
as well as motivate students to be lifelong movers!
Now more then ever before, the importance of physical education is recognized not only for the physical development of children and adolescents, but
also for the progression of social-emotional skills, self-confidence, goal setting, and the development of active and healthy lifestyles.
Through physical education at school, students can more fully develop an appreciation for teamwork, health and fitness, and lifelong movement.
Below are some “Frequently Asked Questions:”
How is a physical education program different from an athletic program?
Athletic programs are essentially designed for youngsters who are eager to focus on one or more sports and refine their talents in order to
play with others of similar interest and abilities. Developmentally appropriate physical education, in contrast, is designed for every child-
from the athletically gifted to the physically challenged. Children of all abilities and interests are provided experience in various individual
and team movement activities. Athletic competition is often an excellent part of this life style, but it is not the only part. While some of
what students do in physical education is based on traditional sports and skills, they also have opportunities to try new types of movement.
Why is it called “P.E.” (physical education) instead of “gym”?
P.E. emphasizes the “education” component. Research has shown us that the overly competitive gym programs of the past do not
work as effectively as they should. Today’s curriculum addresses the needs of children based on movement theory, cooperation as well
as friendly competition, and personal improvement. The program educates children’s social/emotional as well as physical domains.
Will my child participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program?
Students in grades 5-8 will participate in the Presidential Fitness Program. This assessment is used to measure progress and encourage goal
setting and perseverance. Students’ scores on these tests do not determine their P.E. grade, as long as they participate with their best
effort.
Does physical education class fulfill the fitness needs of my child?
Absolutely not! P.E .class addresses movement and skills, provides structured group activities, and aims to motivate students to choose healthy activities.
Your child attends P.E. class two times per week (once per week for kindergarten classes). For an active and healthy lifestyle, children
should also do physical activity outside of school. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise
per day for grade school students. This could be anything from swimming lessons, soccer practice, walking in the neighborhood, or tag in the
backyard!
P.E. Attire
Grades K-4:
Students wear their school uniforms to P.E. However, they must wear clean tennis shoes with unmarking soles. These shoes should be worn
ONLY for P.E., and should be kept at school. Students will change their shoes in their classroom before coming to the gym. If girls choose to
wear skirts/jumpers on P.E. days, they must wear shorts underneath.
Grades 5-8:
Students change into gym clothes for P.E. class. This includes shorts/sweatpants, T-shirt/sweatshirt, and clean tennis shoes. These shoes should be worn
ONLY for P.E. All gym clothes must comply with the non-uniform clothing rules. One “non-suit” pass is issued each trimester as a
freebie. Students may use the pass with no questions asked.
Expectations
In order to have a successful and fulfilling experience for all students, it is crucial that students understand and express the following each
day!
1. Have fun and do your best
2. Respect the space and feelings of others
3. Listen, and follow directions
Medicine/Allergies
Holy Family school policy mandates that all medication be brought to the office by a parent, with a doctor’s note. Please note that
students are not allowed to have medication with them in the gym. If needed, the student is brought to the office to take medication, or
an office representative brings the medicine to the child.
Please read over these guidelines for P.E. with your child, and feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.
Thank you for your time. We are looking forward to a year of fun and fitness by all!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ann Harrang (P.E. grades K-2)
Mrs. Diane Ahern (P.E. grades 3-5)
dahern@hfkschool.org, 425-827-0444
Mr. Kyle Murphy (P.E. grades 6-7)
Ms. Jeanne Warbington (P.E. grade 8)
jwarbington@hfkschool.org, 425-827-0444 ext. 330
