Our Lady of Mercy teams participate at all levels in the many sports organized through the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese Elementary School Athletic Commission. Coached by teachers, parents and volunteers, students participate in volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country and track and field.
Our teams play regular season games and then, depending on wins and losses, may move on to playoff games and season finals. All students who attend the practices and games are members of the team, but there is no guarantee that all students will play an equal amount of time in a league game. Sometimes this is simply not possible. Coaches make player decisions that are based on many factors such as attitude, active participation at practices, development and sportsmanship. Parent or other volunteer coaches must be paired with a teacher sponsor. The teacher sponsor must attend all games. While parents are encouraged to attend games and to support our teams they must not interfere with coaches or officials during a game. The school principal is the head of all athletics in a school
Sports and schedules
This program provides young children with a supportive and engaging environment to learn the fundamentals of the sport while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness. Through age-appropriate skill instruction, fun drills, and friendly scrimmages, players develop essential basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defensive techniques. Coaches focus on creating a positive atmosphere where every child feels included and encouraged to participate, regardless of their skill level. The program aims to instill a love for the game, promote healthy habits, and foster important life skills such as communication, cooperation, and resilience, laying a foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and success in basketball and beyond.
Our program introduces young children to the fundamentals of the sport in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a love for physical activity, teamwork, and skill development. Through age-appropriate drills, games, and activities, participants learn basic volleyball skills such as serving, passing, setting, and hitting. Coaches prioritize sportsmanship, fair play, and communication, encouraging players to support one another and work together as a team. The program emphasizes fun and positive reinforcement, aiming to instill confidence, build friendships, and promote a lifelong appreciation for volleyball and healthy, active living.
This program provides children with a dynamic and enjoyable introduction to the sport, focusing on fundamental skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Through engaging drills, small-sided games, and skill-building activities, participants learn essential soccer techniques such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defensive maneuvers. Coaches emphasize the importance of cooperation, communication, and respect for teammates and opponents, creating a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to improve. The program prioritizes fun and participation, aiming to ignite a passion for soccer while promoting physical fitness, social development, and a lifelong love of the game.
track and field program offers children a dynamic and inclusive platform to explore various athletic events while fostering a love for physical activity and competition. Through a diverse range of activities including sprints, relays, long jumps, and throwing events, participants develop fundamental skills such as speed, agility, coordination, and strength. Coaches prioritize individual improvement, teamwork, and sportsmanship, encouraging athletes to challenge themselves while supporting their peers.
Track and field is open to all students from Grades 3 – 7. Our Lady of Mercy, in partnership with St. Thomas More Collegiate, is proud to be the host for a track meet that invites nearby CISVA schools to kick-off the track and field season.
Physical Education
The school’s Physical Education classes, instructed by a Physical Education Specialist to all students 3 times per week in 30-minute sessions.
The primary objective of the Physical Education program is to develop students’ physical literacy. By establishing the competence and confidence to participate in a broad range of physical activities, students have a strong beginning to a healthy, physically active lifestyle.
Essential physical skills of balance, coordination, stamina, speed, strength, agility, and flexibility are at the core of all units of study. Programming is designed to optimize the development of these skills as the child enters the phases of growth most conducive to training in that element. Programming directives and guidelines are sourced from the BC Physical and Health Education curriculum, the Provincial Ministry of Sport (ViaSport), and Health Canada, through the Long-Term Athletic Development Model.
In acquiring physical literacy, students explore a variety of team and individual sports, fitness opportunities, creative movement, and wellness exercises. Outdoor activities are coordinated with classroom teachers and may include swimming, ice skating, hiking, and other opportunities in the Lower Mainland.
Throughout the Physical Education program, children are guided towards experiencing, understanding, and responding to the growth, development, and biomechanics of their changing bodies. Athletes are encouraged to appreciate the simple, but profound joy of being healthy and able to be physically active.