GETCA 2025

Ready to pack your PEW toolkit with the best and most popular dances that get students active? In this workshop, learn how to combine PLAY with PURPOSE as you experience a dance class with choreography based on Fundamental Movement Skills. With these moves and coaching, your students will develop Physical Literacy: the competence, confidence and the motivation to be active for life. We Don’t Talk About Bruno...but you WILL leave this workshop talking about how much FUN and simple teaching dance can be!

Join the Health and Physical Education Council of the ATA (HPEC) for an engaging session designed specifically for Physical Education teachers eager to explore innovative approaches to Phys Ed classes and health education. This session will provide practical knowledge and hands-on strategies that you can implement immediately in your classroom. During this session, we will delve into essential topics such as physical literacy, emphasizing the significance of being active for life, and highlighting the crucial role of movement in overall well-being. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork within physical education settings. Get ready to leave this session feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to elevate your PE classes to new heights!

Have you ever wondered how to safely introduce wrestling to your students in a physical education setting? Have you been approached by students who are interested in starting a wrestling team at your school? In today’s session you will be introduced to a wide variety of fun games that safely help students to learn the sport of wrestling in a physical education context. We will also be covering critical information and resources that will help your school successfully start a wrestling program. This session will be brought to you with the support of the Edmonton Amateur Wrestling Association.

SMASHBALL is volleyball for kids aged 6-12 played on a modified court in a 3 vs 3 format. There are 5 progressive levels that provide a fun, safe and developmentally appropriate environment for kids to learn volleyball. In SMASHBALL you get to learn to smash/spike right away, there is lots of time to play and learn the cycle of actions that is used in full 6 vs 6 volleyball. In this session, teachers will learn how to introduce Smashball in a fun and engaging way. There are two types of programs that will be reviewed. SMASHBALL – FUNDAMENTALS (Designed for children: Gr. 1-3; ages 6-8) It is a volleyball program which: - introduces children to the game of volleyball in a fun and interesting way; - uses play experience (games & activities) to help children learn and develop basic movement and motor skills, game tactics, and rules; - uses lighter and softer volleyballs; - is played on a smaller court (badminton court or modified volleyball court) SMASHBALL – LEARN TO TRAIN (Designed for children: Gr 4-6; ages 9-11) It is a volleyball program which: - children learn the basic skills of volleyball; (spiking, fore-arm passing, overhead passing, and serving children practice the skills through modified game play (SMASHBALL) that incorporates: - the use of lighter and softer volleyballs; a badminton court with the net at badminton height or, a modified volleyball court with a lowered net and; - a maximum of 4 players per side

Bring your PEW program to life with dances that foster physical literacy and develop fundamental movements skills (FMS)! Learn an engaging and interACTIVE teaching style that uses simple moves from a variety of music styles (Hip-Hop, Urban, Ballroom, Bollywood, Jazz/Funk) and sports themes (basketball, volleyball, baseball) to address all four Elements of Physical Literacy (physical, affective, cognitive & behavioral) and use a simple formula to create your own dances that will keep students ACTIVE while they develop FMS!

Join Ever Active Schools as we explore ways to foster inclusivity, enrich learning, and promote a global perspective within your physical education program. This session samples activities from International Games, a resource featuring lesson plans from 9 countries. Learn the process used to develop the student-led resource, and spark ideas for how to celebrate the unique cultures of your school community.

Join this practical session to learn a variety of new (5-10 min) fitness games to include in PE/SP/Athletics warmups. This is a practical session; please come prepared to move.

Have you ever wanted to teach your students self defence in a Physical Education setting but felt you did not have the skills to do so? Perhaps you were worried about the safety of your students exploring a topic that you are unfamiliar with? In today’s session you will be introduced to a wide variety of games that SAFELY introduce students to many principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defence. Using these games will provide an opportunity for the students in your classes to improve their self-confidence, physical fitness, movement skills, and conflict resolution skills. The session will be led by two Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts (Curt Malin & Jason Wass) who teach at Vimy Ridge Academy and Donnan in the BJJ Program.

Trying to be active and outdoors all year round can be snow laughing matter here in Canada! How can we stay active and make our students have fun outside in all seasons? We will not only go over some games and activities that are snow much fun, but we will talk about the art of facilitation and how to have your students lead these activities. Snow matter what grade you teach it is great to know a collection of team-building, trust, communication and active games. Tons of resources will be provided to all participants!

In need of some fun warm-up games and activities to make your physical education classes more engaging, meaningful and active? Then look no further, we have the solution for you!

Come explore Ever Active Schools NEW suite of digital resources, now available for free through new.LearnAlberta.ca. These Physical Education and Wellness resources are locally developed for K-6 Learners in both English and French and aligned to the new K-6 Physical Education and Wellness Programs of Study. Participants will preview the suite of resources, sample activities and have the opportunity to give feedback.

Are you looking for ways to push your athletes or teams to the next level? Have you watched your star athlete miss an easy shot in a high-pressure situation? There is an increasing body of evidence that training the mind of an athlete is as important, if not more so, than traditional physical preparation. This session will explain the basics of sport psychology by examining the importance of setting goals, establishing routines and the use of guided imagery to increase an athlete’s likelihood of success. Regardless of the sport, these suggestions will provide coaches and teachers with simple strategies to give their athletes the skills to reach their potential.