St. David Goes for Gold at Olympics Day
St. David Catholic Elementary School welcomed more than 300 students, parents, and community partners on January 22, 2026, for its fourth annual Parent Engagement Evening, themed Olympics Day. Held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the event celebrated the spirit of the Olympic Games through a wide range of physical, cultural, and educational activities, with a special focus on Italy, this year’s Olympic host country.
The evening began with inspiring remarks from former Olympian Jesse Lumsden and Neil Lumsden, Minister for Sport, who encouraged students to embrace perseverance, teamwork, and healthy living. Following the opening address, students enthusiastically rotated through Olympic-inspired stations, including curling, sledge hockey, Olympic Taekwondo, biathlon challenges, and 3D printing Olympic rings. These hands-on experiences promoted physical activity, creativity, and an appreciation for both sport and innovation.
Activities throughout the evening included:
Curling (courtesy of Rocks & Rings)
Canadian flag button making
Snowshoeing (courtesy of the Catholic Youth Organization)
FestItalia music (courtesy of Joe Biardo)
Italian food (courtesy of Genuine Bakery)
Learn Italian
3D printing Olympic rings and colouring
Biathlon (archery and speed skating)
STEM Tower of Pisa challenge
Hot chocolate and flag signing with messages to athletes (courtesy of the Knights of Columbus)
Canada Olympic history trivia
Sledge hockey (courtesy of ParaSport Ontario)
Pilates
World map exploration
Olympic Taekwondo (courtesy of Young Park Martial Arts)
Italy-themed photobooth
Giant skis
Robotic challenge
LEGO free play
Chomp Saw activity
A sincere thank you is extended to the many community partners who helped make the evening a success, including ParaSport Ontario, Rocks & Rings, Young Park Martial Arts, Genuine Bakery, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Youth Organization.
Special appreciation is also shared with members of the HWCDSB community, including the St. John Henry Newman Student Council, Trustee Joe Biardo, Senior Administration, student volunteers, and the dedicated staff at St. David Catholic Elementary School for their support, leadership, and commitment to creating a meaningful and engaging community event.
See more highlights here.
