"The kids were beside themselves with excitement," said Principal Simone Gress-Azzam. Only 180 of the students were able to fit into the school's gym for the kickoff ceremony. Politicians and dignitaries were on hand as well, including Education Minister Michelle Courchesne and Canadiens president Pierre Boivin.
But the real highlight, as far as the kids were concerned, was the presence of Richard and current Canadiens player Mathieu Dandenault, as well as the Habs' adopted mascot, Youppi!
After the speeches, to which "the kids paid attention, considering their great excitement," the principal said, Dandenault and the kids participated in a relaxation and stretching exercise. That was followed by an autograph session where kids were given Canadiens hats and got a photo session with Youppi!
"Mr. Dandenault was very generous with his time and was very attentive to the students," the principal added.
Available throughout the province, in English and French, the Canadiens@school program is made up of a series of pedagogic exercises available on the Internet. "This program is the result of over 18 months of work and collaboration between the Montreal Canadiens group of teachers throughout the province," Boivin said.
The exercises consist of French, math, language-arts and physical education components, all relating to hockey as a theme. A number of Francois-de-Laval teachers have already started their students on the program.
"It's a good enrichment program for the kids and it's very diversified," Gress-Azzam said. She also underlined the notion that the exercises can be done at home, thereby involving parents and their children.
For the principal, the initiative is interesting because it allows her to meld hockey and learning.
"The Canadiens are heroes to many students, especially the boys – and we know how important it is to motivate the boys and give them good role models," she said. In that respect, the program is already working to engage the young minds so interested in the Canadiens.
(Translated by Marc Lalonde)
