The primary purpose of St. Ignatius Physical Education Program is the development of students’ awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and healthy nutrition.  Each student will have the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undo fatigue and with ample energy to enjoy leisure time in exercise.The students will be introduced to health, nutrition, calisthenics, rules of sports and games and class cooperation. These topics will be taught in the classroom and gymnasium, as well as other outside activities. 

Health

Students are taught proper Hygiene and Body awareness to prevent commonly transmitted viruses and bacteria (common cold, head lice and rashes). Cleanliness will be the most important focus in this topic. At the conclusion of each class five minutes will be allowed to clean up and freshen, for their next class. This part of the program will be one fourth of the grade for the class.

Nutrition

Students are taught how to use the combination of the five food groups. We include physical activity choices that impact their health today and in the future. We use the California Dairy Council guidelines.These guidelines teach the best way to give our bodies the balanced nutritions that it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day.  

Calisthenics

Calisthenics will begin the first session of the week. This will include a cardio activity such as running or skipping rope. Students will learn that physical fitness is the result of a strong body and mind. This part of the program will make up one fourth of the grade for the class.

Rules of the Game

Rules of the Game will be the structure to play any game. Several games will be part of the Physical Education Program. The students will participate in physical play and will be well versed on the rules. Students will understand how to play games with boundaries. An emphasis on the rules will result in a safe and a cooperative game. This two-part process of play and rules will have a bearing on one fourth of the grade.

Class Cooperation

Class Cooperation or conduct and effort are how the student demonstrates the game in a behavioral manner. Our criteria to determine good conduct are attitude, fair play, cooperation and respect to fellow students. All these factors will make up the last of the four parts, for the grade requirements for this class.

All classes will conclude with stretching and a prayer.