The St. Pat’s Home Ice event on January 29 brought over 20 newcomers to Canada together for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and first-time skating experiences at Progressive Auto Sales Arena (PASA). St. Pat’s English Language Learners (ELL) and the girls’ hockey team embraced this Canadian winter tradition, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

The event, organized by teacher and girls’ hockey coach Lincoln Simpson, was inspired by the success of last year’s skate. “This is such a wonderful opportunity for our newcomer students to experience a Canadian pastime while building friendships,” said Simpson. “For our long-time skaters, it’s exciting to share something they love with their new friends.”

The girls’ hockey team eagerly stepped into the role of coaches, guiding their peers across the rink and introducing them to a few hockey drills. Some students took their first steps on the ice with caution, while others, who had participated in the event last year, showed greater confidence.

The event’s success was also made possible by Mackenzie Nolan, Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) at St. Pat’s. Through her partnership with the YMCA, Nolan secured skates and helmets for the students, ensuring a safe experience for all.

Beyond the skating, the event provided newcomer students with the opportunity to practice their English in a relaxed, engaging environment. “It’s amazing to see students connecting with each other, not only through skating but also through shared experiences as they navigate a new language, school, and culture. These connections are what will help them thrive,” said Heather Hagan, Multilingual/English Language teacher at St. Pat’s.

Home Ice proved to be a valuable opportunity for students to build relationships and integrate into their new community in a meaningful way.