Students are sharpening more than just their aim through the growing archery program at St. John Paul II School. Open to Grade 5 and 6 students, the program is giving participants a unique opportunity to develop important life skills while engaging in a sport that is both challenging and rewarding.
Led by trained instructors Shaun Dufresne and a fellow educator, the program is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), which promotes safe and inclusive archery instruction across schools. Both instructors first received their training while working in Red Lake at St. John School, where the program has seen continued success over the past six years.
While archery may seem like a simple target sport, the benefits for students go far beyond hitting the bullseye. Throughout each session, students are learning patience, focus, and perseverance - skills that transfer directly into the classroom and everyday life. Careful attention to form, controlled breathing, and mental focus are all essential components of success in archery, and students are rising to the challenge.
What stands out most is the environment being created. Students are not only improving individually but are also encouraging one another, celebrating successes, and building a strong sense of teamwork and respect. The range has become a space where discipline meets support, and where confidence grows with every shot.
To wrap up the season, the school is planning to host an SJP Archery Tournament near the end of April. This event will give students the chance to showcase their progress, with scores being submitted to a virtual Ontario-wide tournament - an exciting opportunity to connect with other young archers across the province.
As the program continues to grow, it's clear that archery is hitting the mark - not just as a sport, but as a meaningful learning experience that helps students stay focused, build resilience, and aim high in all that they do.
