New Lacrosse program is a welcome focus at Hagersville Secondary School. The program was launched for second semester this year and has already seen signs of engagement among the students. Read what Education Counselor Jeannie Martin and Phys. Ed teacher Jordan Carter have to say about the program.
A bridge between the community and the student body has come to Hagersville Secondary School in the form of a lacrosse course.
The start of the winter semester has welcomed a new sport-based program, the first of its kind for GEDSB and the province. But it’s the connection between HSS’ surrounding community and its students that has made this introduction a very special one.
“I believe this program will help students, particularly those from Six Nations, feel more acknowledged in this school,” said Jeannie Martin, Education Counselor at HSS.
“They really connect with this sport.”
Set up as a Grade 10 Physical Education course open to boys and girls, students will have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the sport, its history from local experts, and gain hands-on experience from professional players.
“This is a very unique opportunity for our students,” said Phys. Ed teacher Jordan Charter.
“It’s rare that students are exposed to such high quality players and an amazing level of lacrosse.”
At the program launch earlier this month, Cody Jamieson, a professional player in the National Lacrosse League and HSS graduate, was on site with fellow pros to face off against students. They vowed to return in the coming weeks to provide more guidance and expertise.
“We have a lot of grads from the school playing pro and they’re very positive in giving back to the school,” Charter said.
Both Martin and Charter have taken on this program for its appropriate tie with the curriculum and fit with the rest of the school community. With providing a link to the Six Nations culture and a refreshing learning opportunity, the hope is that this will give HSS a sense of identity and its students, a greater sense of inclusion.
“This course gives the Six Nations students a greater opportunity to build connections with the other students,” said Martin.
“I’ve been involved in with the lacrosse program for ten years, and it is so exciting to see it developed into a course.”