Mississauga students SKATE through school

On March 5, Fallingbrook Public School will host the launch of SKATE-School Kids Achieving Through Education. This is a partnership between the Mississauga Ice Dogs and local schools. Through SKATE, members of the Mississauga Ice Dogs visit schools to talk to students about the importance of staying in school.

"We are proud to host the launch of this partnership. Students are seeing that the real world, even future NHL players, value education and believe that everyone should stay in school," says Marg Patterson, vice-principal at Fallingbrook. "At our school, we stress respect, responsibility and teamwork as lifelong values. I'm pleased the Ice Dogs are helping us to encourage these values in our students."

"Canadian kids love hockey, and the idea of meeting a real OHL player is thrilling," says Mike Dzis, a grade 3 teacher at the school. "This is a great way for students to develop community pride and learn about Mississauga. At the same time, the school climate is energized because this is a fun event for the students - they can identify with and relate to positive role models close to their own age."

Two players from the Mississauga Ice Dogs will speak at four half-hour assemblies between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the school gym. Fallingbrook Public School is located at 5187 Fallingbrook Dr. in Mississauga.

Media Contact: Mike Dzis, Teacher, Fallingbrook Public School, (905) 812-7470, ext. 401

Marg Patterson, Vice Principal, Fallingbrook Public School, (905) 812-7470, ext. 303

Chris Hartery, Manager, Minor Hockey Programs, Mississauga Ice Dogs, (905) 502-7788

Reference: Sapna Goel, Communications Assistant, (905) 890-1010, ext. 2652