Penguins Athletics – August 2025 Update
Welcome to an exciting new school year! We’re looking forward to another great season of Penguins Athletics and are thrilled to have our student-athletes back in action.
Get Your Penguins Gear!
Are you planning to attend a Penguins event this year? Show your school spirit by picking up some Penguins apparel! Visit the Igloo Store on the PICS website, then stop by the school office to complete your purchase.
We will also be hosting a Penguins Gear Sale during the Open House on August 28.
⚠️ Potential Teacher Strike and Metro League Implications
You may have heard about a possible public school teacher strike. If it proceeds, it will likely impact our participation in the Metro League, as many public school teams may be unable to compete.
As of now, PICS, Metro, and ASAA are moving forward with the season as planned. Should the strike occur, we will do our best to arrange games with other independent schools. Updates will be provided as needed.
Cross Country
The 24-Hour Waddle will kick off the cross country season, scheduled for September 29–30 right here at the school.
Save the Date:
We’re also excited to host the Adoration Word and Deed Colour Run Fundraiser on Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 AM, also at the school. This is a fun and meaningful way for our school community to come together in support of a great cause—mark your calendars and plan to join us!
If you have any questions about the cross country season or upcoming events, please contact Mr. Patten at [email protected].
⚽ Junior High Soccer
We’re excited to welcome Ken Leffers and Richie Begin as this year’s coaches.
- Tryouts: Wednesday, September 3 & Thursday, September 4 from 3:30–5:00 PM
- Tournament: Save the date for the Calgary Tournament on September 26–27
Please refer to the Athletics Calendar on our website for updated practice and game schedules.
Volleyball Tryouts and Team Info
Senior High Volleyball
- Girls’ Coach: Tom Van Orizande
- Boys’ Coach: Micah Duker
Girls’ Tryouts
- Monday, August 25 & Wednesday, August 27 from 7:00–9:00 PM
(Preparing for the Vermilion Tournament the following weekend)
Boys’ Tryouts
- Tuesday, September 2 & Thursday, September 4 from 7:00–9:00 PM
Visit the Athletics Calendar on our website for updated tournament dates and note that the Metro League schedule will be released around September 12.
Junior High Volleyball
- Girls A Coach: Brittany Larson
- Boys A Coach: Brian DeHaan
- Girls B Coach: Melinda Hamoen
Tryout dates:
- JH Girls: September 4 and 5
- JH Boys: September 3 and 8
We are currently looking for a Boys B Team Coach. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Brittany Larson at [email protected] or 780-284-4005. Tryout dates for Junior High teams will be announced soon based on athlete registration.
Winter Basketball – Coaches Needed!
We’re still seeking coaches for the following Winter season teams:
- Junior High B Girls
- Junior High B Boys
- Junior Varsity Boys
Our athletics program thrives because of our dedicated volunteers. If you're interested in coaching or helping in any way, please reach out. Your time and commitment make a lasting impact!
Important Documents & Forms
All relevant documents can be found on the PICS Athletics section of the school website. These include:
- Parent-Athlete Handbook (must-read for all participating families)
- Metro Student/Guardian Acknowledgement and Agreement (required for all Senior High athletes — please submit all 3 pages to the office)
- Volunteer Driver Declaration (must be completed by all parents driving students other than their own — we recommend completing this in the first week of school)
Athletics Fee Update
Over the past three years, increasing costs have significantly impacted our athletics budget. These include:
- Rising tournament fees
- Increased hotel costs for out-of-town events
- Higher refereeing expenses, particularly in basketball
As a result, we’ve had limited ability to update essential items like uniforms and equipment. After a careful review, we’ve made the decision to increase fees for the following teams:
- Junior High Cross Country: $100
- Senior High Cross Country: $150
- Junior High Soccer: $75
- Junior High Basketball: $150
- Senior High Basketball: $250
We recognize that any fee adjustment affects families and want to assure you that this decision was made with careful consideration. Full details can be found in the Parent-Athlete Handbook. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support as we strive to offer safe, competitive, and sustainable programming for our student-athletes.
Looking Ahead
We’re looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and great memories for all our athletes. We’d love to see you cheering from the stands—your presence means a lot to our students!
A quick reminder: No food or drinks are permitted in the gym. We ask all adults to help set a good example in keeping our space clean.
In Closing
We pray for safe travels, meaningful experiences, and a year of fellowship and fun for all our teams. Praise God for the many opportunities He continues to provide our students and school community!
Blessings,
Brittany Larson
Athletics Director
[email protected]