By Jacqueline Priolo
Athletic Director & Co-Curricular Coordinator

There’s a contagious energy on campus—one filled with excitement, encouragement, and engagement. Something special is happening, and while I can’t quite pinpoint it, I can assure you it’s wonderful. Let me share some recent events, and perhaps you can help me figure out what’s going on.

The first week back was buzzing with excitement as students reunited with old friends and made new ones, all while anticipating the outtrips. During the second week, as each student group spread their joy around the Ontario wilderness while away on trip, the campus grew quieter, but you could still hear the progress of the new recreation center development in the background (hmmm maybe this is a clue).

Fast forward to week three: staff and students returned from their trips, and with a deeper sense of camaraderie, real friendships began to form. This shared experience, combined with the nerves of the first week of classes and the anticipation of signing up for co-curricular activities, created an atmosphere of encouragement. I started to hear students urging one another to try new sports, reassuring newcomers that while it might be tough at first, they would learn to love it.

Take, for example, the Fall Colours Adventure Race ( 200m swim, 2km paddle, 1 km trail run) ; we had so many students sign up that we almost ran out of gear! The new students signed up with ease—some solo, some in teams—because our returning students genuinely encouraged them. As the athletic director, I was thrilled to see our entire student community come together on Saturday, Sept. 21st, either volunteering to help run the event or participating in the race, despite the downpour during setup, registration, and the start of the race. The students were there, eager and ready to go!

Another highlight was the Terry Fox Run/Walk. We spent the afternoon learning about Terry Fox and enjoying the RCM Trail. Engagement went beyond mere participation; it was about the positivity shared among staff and peers, high-fives exchanged, and kindness shown to those who set up hydration stations and special treats.

We just wrapped up week four, marked by the launch of our creative co-curriculars and our first athletic games (soccer, field hockey, and a cross-country race). I couldn’t have asked for a better first month of school. The students have embraced their excitement and shared their joy through encouragement, resulting in the highest level of engagement that I have ever experienced on a school campus. This engagement is golden. Our students are going beyond the co curricular expectations and seeking enhanced opportunities to challenge themselves! The adventure race is a perfect example of the RLC students willingness to dig in and try something that is hard.

This level of engagement is only possible with the amazing faculty and staff, the parent guild, the friends and family of RLC, the community of Rosseau and of course our fearless leadership saying “go for it!” So thank you to everyone who supported each of the events above, and all of the ones to come.Thank you, Timberwolves! Let’s keep this momentum going all year!