CANSKATE@SCHOOL PROGRAM

KWSC is proud to give back to the community by offering the SkateCanada sanctioned CanSkate@School program, which aims to provide opportunities to children who may otherwise not have the opportunity to learn to skate.

In the past, schools were able to provide some introduction to skating; however, most unstructured school skating opportunities are offered late from a physical literacy development perspective, and the experience can be intimidating and exclusionary for those without access to skating equipment, or with limited skating proficiency. Recent insurance and helmet issues have prevented most schools in our region from offering skating activities.

We have developed a way to overcome these problems by providing high quality structured learn-to-skate instruction taught by professional coaches during school hours when ice is readily available. Grade 1 students come to RIM Park for four weekly 50-minute skating lessons. While schools across all socioeconomic backgrounds participate, we have been able to find some financial partners who specifically support student participation in the program. Below is a video that was launched in 2016 that outlines the needs and outcomes of the program.

Here's what some of our participants' parents/guardians had to say about the CanSkate@School program:

"Effective instruction, fun activities that promoted movement and confidence on ice."

"The opportunity to skate with classmates. A real bonding experience."

"Teachers are patient, understanding, and able to adapt to all levels all while teaching the kids. I can’t say enough good things about the program."

"They all had an amazing experience it was good to see kids trying and not giving up."

Fall 2024 Schedule: Thursday Mornings from October 17 - November 7

Winter 2025 Schedule: Thursday Mornings from February 13 - March 6

Winter 2025 Schedule: Thursday Mornings from March 20 - April 10

Each session runs for four Thursdays, with a maximum of 60 skaters per session.
Cost:

$20 per skater for the 4-week session

$5 for helmet rental (if needed)

$5 for skate rental (if needed)

For more information, Grade One teachers interested in CanSkate@School are invited to contact the KWSC CanSkate@School Coordinator.

The Club's CanSkate@School program operates in partnership with the following educational bodies:

Waterloo Region District School Board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Conseil Scolaire Viamonde

Thank you to our generous sponsors in helping make this program possible.

If you or your organization would like to support this community program, please contact the Executive Director of KWSC or click here to find out more details.