The W.J. Mouat Secondary athletics department has been named a recipient of a 2016 Promising Practices award from Character.org.
In January 2014, the department held its first athletics forum. Bringing together all 200-plus student-athletes and coaches, a discussion was held to determine what it meant to be a Mouat “Hawk.”
Coaches, including a group of former Mouat student-athletes themselves, talked about the impact that Hawks athletics programs had on their life.
Current student-athletes then discussed what should be expected of themselves and of their teammates.
From this data, a smaller group of student-athletes worked to develop the Hawk Athletics Charter.
Prior to each season of play, participating student-athletes take part in a charter signing ceremony. These opportunities are taken to intentionally reinforce the expectations and high standards that their teammates, coaches, school, and community hold for them.
The department has continued to hold an annual athletics forum.
In 2015, Jesse Miller, a respected expert on social media, presented on "Social Media and the Student Athlete.” This year, Justin Abdou, head coach of the Simon Fraser University wrestling program, provided an inspirational talk on the value of getting involved and fighting through adversity.
A group of Mouat teachers who hold a lead role in the school's Character Initiative will travel to Washington, D.C. in October to receive their award at the National Forum on Character Education.
Each year, Character.org recognizes educators who have implemented unique, specific and effective character education strategies.