Cross Country
The Northlea Cross Country program runs in the Fall of each School year! With hundreds of kids running every day, the Northlea school field is a sight to behold. Please read on about the program, important notes (about off-site training, program requirements including the required “Guide to Co-Curricular Activities”) and various team & individual races.
Requirements, tips (I)
Cross country runs 5 days a week and runners must attend 3 days a week to become part of the team. Runners should wear proper running shoes and bring water and a good attitude towards participating. Please advise your runner that while they are attending cross country they are to participate by listening to the coaches and by doing their best. This will ensure they are well prepared for race day.
Cancellations, illness
Note: If it is raining hard, then cross country will be cancelled. If your child does not feel well, they should not attend cross country. Not only does this potentially risk getting other children ill but it also effects the ability of the group to train properly. Please be reminded that these are volunteer coaches, who cannot care properly for a child who is not feeling well, while still leading and motivating the larger group.
Off site training
The Schedule of Off-site Days are an essential part of the training program. On off-site days runners are required to be at the school by 7:45am sharp in order to ensure they do not miss their grade’s departure.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Northlea likes to run! The Northlea Cross Country program is arguably the most successful such initiative in the entire City of Toronto. In 2010, Northlea had almost 300 students come out for Cross Country and go to the first meet, with 97 students qualifying for the second meet and an amazing 62 students going on to the City Championships. In 2011, the results were even better.
Those who attend a race are truly amazed at how inspiring it is to see the kids putting 100% effort in their races and cheering each other on. All students who participate in the practices are taken to the first meet and as a result, the meet looks like a sea of grey and green!
The strong program is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of many, including 4 amazing co-coordinators (who are thankfully returning!), Ms. Borden and other teacher volunteers, the parent coaches and the many parents that volunteered to come and supervise at the meets!
Finally, last but not least is the hard work and dedication of the Northlea students. We have a program that is envied by many schools and can continue that way for years to come if we continue as a hardworking group, dedicated to enlightening children to the joy of running!
The first practice of the Cross Country season is usually on the first week back at school. Permission forms will be distributed that allow students to go off property to train (properly supervised, of course) and attend the races very early in the first week of school. Those forms need to be returned by the dates requested.
Please note: the form “Guide to Co-Curricular Activities” is required to be filled out for all families participating in co-curricular activities. A link to the form is available below and needs to be completed and returned to the office ASAP.
Extra help is always welcome! On race days, we need lots of parent volunteers. If you have some interest in coaching a specific grade group, please email coordinator Lisa Vanexan.
Please view the
Other Cross-Country Documents:
