Sports and Recreation at AGS

Listuguj’s Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) thrives on the personal growth, well-being, and education of students in the classroom, and this is also the case when it comes to sports and recreation. Physical education teachers Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon work hard inside and outside of the school with students to ensure they are receiving the best coaching and mentorship when it comes to playing sports.

Jennifer Morrison has been a physical education teacher at AGS for the past four years. She started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this time, sports had to be put on hold. Fast forward 2-3 years later, and sports and recreation are at an all-time high in the Nursery to Grade 8 school.

Morrison stated that she was hesitant at first when she was offered the job as a physical education teacher. She wasn’t sure she was familiar and comfortable enough with various sports and rules, but ultimately it ended up being better than she could ever have imagined. Gideon joined AGS two years ago. He has an impressive background when it comes to sports and coaching with over 30 years of experience. The two teachers collaborated with many people to make AGS sports what it is today. Morrison said, “We’ve had a lot of people come together through coaching, chaperoning, and volunteering to help these programs really kind of take off.” Since Morrison and Gideon are the physical education teachers, this is beneficial when it comes to finding students who are passionate about sports, and who show willingness to learn and play in a team setting.

Both Morrison and Gideon are advocates for creating opportunities when it comes to sports and recreation. AGS combines passion and culture in its sports teams. Morrison and Gideon believe sports open doors and are always eager to recognize and acknowledge the student’s determination and progression.

Last year in 2023, the school started with one boy’s middle school basketball team (grades 6-8) – Gitpu’g, which eventually led to an elementary-aged basketball team (grades 3-5) – Gitpu’ji’jg. Having an elementary-aged basketball team was a first for AGS, and it came with major success that this year, the school was able to compile a second team for this age group. All basketball teams are now co-ed.

Last year, many students expressed interest in a volleyball team. With the help from volunteers, a volleyball team was formed. There were five coaches during the first year, who worked with the students on the rules and logistics of the game. The school now has two girls’ volleyball team called Gitpui’sqwaq and a boys’ volleyball team.

AGS also offers soccer, cross country, mountain biking, softball, track and field, and as of last month, swimming. They are continually working at bringing new sports and recreation activities to the school.

This year, more students than ever expressed interest in joining sports teams. A lot of students are joining multiple sports teams in the school as well.  “Every team that we had last year, we more than doubled them this year, and there are still kids who are wanting to join,” said Morrison.

For those students who may not be quite ready to commit to a team, but would like to get a feel for sports, AGS offers intramurals. These are various sports played in the gym or soccer field during recess times. There are intramural playoffs and championships, which give the students exposure and a taste of what playing sports competitively is like.

AGS competes in various sports jamborees during the school year. Last year there were four jamborees held throughout the season. These jamborees consist of all the teams that the school typically plays against (Campbellton Middle School, Lord Beaverbrook School, Jacquet River School, etc.) Listuguj held a basketball jamboree for one of the Gitpu’ji’jg basketball teams in February. The team was undefeated for the second season in a row.

The school also attends the annual First Nations Education Council Inter-School (FNEC) Games. This brings together athletes from all First Nations schools in Quebec. This year it is being held in Laval, Quebec from May 23-26. The coaches plan on bringing a number of teams and athletes to participate. This will be Morrison’s third year attending the FNEC Games. This is a great opportunity for the students to play amongst other First Nation communities.

Every year the school celebrates its athletes with a Sports Banquet.  Last year there were roughly 150 attendees at the sports banquet, Morrison is expecting the turnout to be bigger this year. Several awards are handed out, such as Athlete of the Year – in which a feather with the student’s name will be on display in the gym. This is for middle school-aged students. Last year they introduced the Gitpu’ji’jg Athlete of the Year, which goes up until grade five. A feather is given to students to go up on the wall for this as well.

When the school year comes to an end, Morrison and Gideon offer sports and recreation summer camps for students. This is typically a three-week program over the summer break.

All the sports and recreation wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents. They are always seeking volunteers and recruitment to help when it comes to coaching and chaperoning students and athletes at AGS. If you are interested, contact 418-788-3100.

By Ann Marie Jacques