Prairie South School Division is currently providing two outreach programs for students through its Student Support Services.

One of those is Equine-Assisted Learning, which is a program for students in Grades 3 through 12.

Superintendent of Learning Amanda Olson gave an update at the November 1 division board meeting.

"Equine-Assisted Learning focuses on enhancing students' skills through successes with the horse and working as a team," she explained. "Students learn about the horse's body language and what the horse is communicating. Students work with the horse and their teammates towards a common goal or through various obstacles while paying attention to what the horse is telling them. Several horses and ponies are used, ranging from very small to large depending on the needs and comfort of the students."

Olson says the animals are used to teach and enhance numerous skills such as teamwork, trust, negotiation, communication, leadership, perseverance, and respect. Sessions are led by an equine-assisted learning certified instructor and they host about five sessions a year with groups of up to about six students.

The second outreach opportunity is called Hydro, which is a pool program for students in Grades 1 to 8.

"These are students who would benefit from a movement and hydrostatic pressure experience," said Olson. "It is lifeguard-led and aims to improve movement through gentle and repetitive motion in a safe, comfortable, and soothing physical environment. Research indicates that hydro movement can reduce negative behaviors, help with sensory processing challenges...and increase coordination. Students with needs such as these are prioritized for each of our sessions."

Olson noted in addition to swimming, it's the personal aspect that really benefits the students.

"Something about this program that is truly heartwarming is to witness the friendships that students have developed with others from different schools as a result of seeing each other week after week."

The division hosts four sessions throughout the year at the Kinsmen Sportsplex. There are 24 students and at least one educational assistant or adult that attends.

Students are prioritized based on specific needs that both of these programs would best support.