The Physical Education Program at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish School follows the Diocese of San Diego Curriculum Guide for Physical Fitness and Health. Students are provided with age appropriate activities in sequential progression that follow national and state mandated standards for physical fitness and health. Each grade level covers specific motor activities, biomechanics, exercise physiology, growth and development, psychology, aesthetics, sociology and historical components appropriate to its grade level. Instruction time follows the state mandated hours for participation in physical education.

Students in grades Kindergarten through Second Grade focus on developing gross motor skills through basic locomotion and non-locomotion activities such as walking, running, skipping, hopping, jumping, galloping, sliding, twisting, turning, bending, and swaying. They participate in activities to develop manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling and jump ropes. Simple games, dance and rhythm patterns are introduced to enhance positive self image, self-discipline and self-control in relation to themselves and others. Students learn to follow simple rules and understand that physical education is part of a healthy body. Second graders learn to apply locomotor skills into basic games and partner activities. They are introduced to the health components of physical fitness.

Students in Third Grade through Fifth Grade continue to become proficient in locomotor and non-locomotor skills. They learn to combine them in basic lead-up games based on traditional sports such as volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Specific manipulative skills are practiced in order for students to feel confident in team games and activities. Students become familiar with the components of physical fitness and how they relate to the Presidential Fitness Challenge Test. Students participate in dance and lifetime fitness activities structured to foster coordination and an appreciation of the value of physical fitness and healthy living. Students develop skills of responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship and cooperation in small groups and teams.

Students in Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade focus on combining locomotor and manipulative skills into traditional team games such as, volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball and football. Students are able to play according to traditional rules. Cardiovascular fitness and strength training is a component of each class. Students are exposed to lifetime sports skills such as rackets and dance. Students design personal health fitness goals for the Presidential Fitness Challenge Test after participating in a pre-test in the fall and explain how they are going to achieve their goals. Students’ participate in activities to improve sport related principles of fitness such as balance, speed, quickness, reaction time, and power through different activities. Students continue to develop consistency in social skills of responsibility, leadership and tolerance of others.

Students in Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade are encouraged to participate in after-school sports teams that play surrounding Catholic Schools. This competition allows students to develop sports skills, team cooperation and sportsmanship.

Class cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship are expected at all grade levels. Students are encouraged to strive for their own personal best and to set goals to improve their own physical fitness levels. The Presidential Challenge Fitness Test is administered to grades three through eight in the spring. This tests students’ cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, abdominal strength, arm strength and agility. In order for students to participate completely in the physical education program he/she is required to wear a physical education uniform, and shoes that can be laced tightly. Please tie girls’ hair back in an elastic band for safety reasons.