Mid-November, St. Paul's Intermediate (SPI) in Gander ran its first ever Switched Off Skills day, where students and staff disconnected from technology to learn hands-on, active skills and hobbies. With 21 different things to choose from, students had lots of options! Options included physical activities, like taekwondo, disc golf, line dancing, and basic lifeguarding skills. Some student chose to sign up for some new new skills and cozy hobbies like knitting, crocheting, macrame, painting, and junk journaling. Even activities like automotive repair, outdoor survival skills, darts, drumming, hair braiding, and mini figure painting were included to give students a wide range of options and choices to explore.
Switched Off Skills was planned as a way to introduce students to hobbies and skills that get people off their phones and computers, so that they get a break from the digital world. Studies show that too much screen time can have dangerous effects, especially on developing teen brains. By engaging with other kinds of activities, students get a chance to unplug from the increased stress, anxiety, and other problems that are associated with lots of screen time.
SPI extends its thanks to the Central Wellness Coalition for its support and guidance, as well as support from community members, groups, and businesses. Volunteers from the community came in to share their skills and hobbies, and they did a fantastic job motivating students to try all of the new activities. Students spent time with adult mentors, socialized with their peers, and learned something new and fun - all in all, a really great day.