Preschool Physical Activity & Outside Playtime

The St. Mary Catholic School Early Childhood Program ensures that students in Preschool and VPK have adequate outside playtime scheduled in their day. At this age, play is a vital part of a child’s life. Outdoor play is essential for both physical growth, motor development, building physical strength and improving balance and coordination. Outdoor play fosters opportunities for creativity, imagination and social interactions. A place where they can run, jump, climb, shout, explore and learn about the creatures God created and make a mess. Being outside and playing with friends allows children to stretch their imaginations and practice their social and communication skills. Having the right playground equipment specifically designed for this age group is key as it strengthens gross motor skills which helps develop the fine motor skills needed for penmanship.

Physical Education Curriculum
Kindergarten through 8th grade

St. Mary Catholic School provides for scheduled periods of time for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade to participate in a variety of physical activities and organized games to promote and develop muscle strength and coordination. Through the use of games and other activities, students develop the ability to understand the concept of working as a team, show appreciation and respect for the efforts of others unique abilities. Additionally, participation in physical activity is associated with academic benefits such as improved concentration, memory, and classroom behavior.

Extra Curricular Sport Programs

St. Mary Catholic School Extra-Curricular Sports Programs are administered by Catholic Youth Sports and participates in sporting events competing against other area Catholic schools throughout the year. There are two levels of competition available: Grade School (GS) for students in Kindergarten through four and Middle School (MS) for students in grade six through eight. Students in grade 5 need to check the Catholic Youth Sports websites as depending on the sport, the fifth-grade plays with either the Grade School division or the Middle School division.

Before students can play on the St. Mary Catholic School sports team, families must review and sign the Diocese of Orlando’s Concussion and Heat-related Liability Release.

For more information about Catholic Youth Sports and forms, please visit the CYS website: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/cysbrevard

Catholic Youth Sports endorses the University of Notre Dame Play Like a Champion Today philosophy for the Catholic School sports program. More information can be found at https://www.playlikeachampion.org/

Volunteer Coaches
All coaches at St. Mary Catholic School are volunteers. In order to be a coach, individuals must be fingerprinted through the Diocese of Orlando and must take the Safe Environment Training course. Once complete, these clearances are valid for 5 years.  Please visit https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/cysbrevard for required forms.