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Taylor McNair, Miss Rodeo America and Jaden Holle, Miss Rodeo Canada with St. Teresa of Avila students (Photo submitted)
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Rodeo queens talk mindfulness at St. Teresa of Avila School

Oct 31, 2019 | 6:52 AM

The counselling and administration team at St. Teresa of Avila School have been focusing this year on mindfulness and self-regulation techniques for students.

On Wednesday, Jaden Holle, Miss Rodeo Canada and Taylor McNair, Miss Rodeo America talked to four classes about their passion for barrel racing and the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

The event was the first of six afternoons where students are able to participate in experiential learning time focused on mindfulness skills.

The school community also had the opportunity to rotate through 14 other sessions yesterday including:

– Mindful Movement by YMCA North
– Faith-Filled Mindfulness by LeeAnn Arsenault, Faith Lead Teacher
– Get Active by Char Andrew, Health & Wellness Coordinator
– Reflection Time by Selena Frizzley, Coordinator of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Support Team
– Journaling
– Positive Affirmation
– Nature
– Mindful Colouring and Drawing
– Music to Calm

Mindfulness is a frame of mind, being keenly aware of the present and acknowledging actions/thoughts with a non-judgmental attitude.

Mindfulness focuses on the process of creating/doing rather than the finished project/outcome.

The benefits of mindfulness include:

– Improve students’ abilities to pay attention and focus
– Regulate emotions and improve decision making
– Improve mood, self-confidence and encourage positive thinking
– Manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and chronic pain
– Explore creativity with courage

“We are thrilled to offer mindfulness afternoons once a month at our school this year. Our students will benefit from learning life-long skills on how to settle and regulate their bodies. Having Miss Rodeo Canada and Miss Rodeo America at our school for the launch of our ‘Mindfulness Matters’ afternoons is an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Principal Nicole Zimmerman.

(Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools)