| 10 May 2007, Belleville, Ontario—Congratulations are in order for Nancy Popovich, Health and Physical Education co-ordinator for provincial recognition in her areas of expertise. Popovich was recently awarded the OASPHE Award for Advocacy – Supervision by the Ontario Association for the Supervision of Physical and Health Education (OASPHE).
The award is presented each year to an individual at the supervisory level who exemplifies a strong voice in lobbying policy makers and advocating for the delivery of quality Health and Physical Education programs. According to a nomination, Popovich is a strong advocate and leader of physical and health education in our district in many areas. She leads our local Healthy Active Schools Committee (which includes teachers, administrators, health unit staff, community recreation and agency staff) to advocate for a comprehensive approach to healthy schools across the district . . . Her efforts to establish a district-wide daily physical activity implementation team to support schools has been extremely effective in creating positive change in this critical area . . . Nancy is an advocate of physical and health education who "walks the talk" on a daily basis. She is a role model of healthy active living through her family, personal and professional lives.
“I am very honoured to be recognized by my peers at the provincial level. The work that we have done provincially and locally in HPEDSB to promote health and physical education for our students is always very rewarding. The ultimate goal is to educate children so they get the academic and health benefits while in school and also to teach them to value a healthy active lifestyle after they leave our system,” remarks Popovich.
According to Popovich, student achievement depends on more than traditional classroom work. It is maximized when students reach their academic, emotional and physical potential. Research shows that daily physical activity improves concentration and academic achievement and can enhance math, reading, and writing test scores. Physical activity is critical not only to improving student achievement but also to making schools healthier places to learn.
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 46 elementary and eight secondary schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.
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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354
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