Parkdale Elementary School introduces a new recess initiative

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By Lily Goodman

In January, Parkdale Elementary School in St. Laurent launched an exciting new initiative designed to create more thoughtful recess time while also developing leadership skills in older students. The Recess Success Program has 21 Grade 6 students stepping into leadership roles and creating an overall more harmonious recess experience for younger students.

The program gives older students a chance to take initiative, build a sense of accountability, and learn to advocate for themselves and others. These students have been trained in leadership and conflict resolution, and now actively participate in younger students' recess periods to provide a fun, productive, and structured recess experience. A few Grade 6 students are assigned to each recess, where they support younger students by suggesting games, ensuring fair play, and promoting kindness. The staff who organized the program have observed new friendships forming and students learning to play cooperatively, regardless of winning or losing.

“The recess success program has been a proactive measure used to diffuse a lot of the conflict that we see taking place in the school yard,” says Principal George Koutsoulis. “It's a win-win situation, we have our younger students learning to collaborate, and to resolve conflicts peacefully, and our older students are learning to develop their communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.”

This newly implemented program has successfully prevented conflict and has created more seamless, enjoyable playtime for the students. Mr.  Koutsoulis and Vice Principal Karolyn Liverman and the teacher who helped organize the program, Alissa Bultz, all collectively feel and see the positive impact this program has had on the students and their recesses. 

This program has created a welcoming recess environment for all students, proving that teaching students how to advocate for themselves and others, resolve conflicts and be strong leaders goes a long way. 




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