It's not every day that you have the Moose Jaw Police Service, the Mayor, decision makers from your school division and people from Ottawa in your gymnasium. But that was the case for St. Agnes school Wednesday as Physical and Health Education flew into Saskatchewan to host an At My Best - Play Day at the local elementary school along with AstraZeneca Canada. 

A brief assembly was held before things were kicked off and saw PHE representatives grab the microphone to explain what the program is and why they do it. Mayor Tolmie brought greetings from the city to the guests and got the kids ready to play, along with members from the school division. Lastly Physical Education Teach Laura Adrian spoke - the one who made the whole day come to fruition. 

The Play Day provided students with an entire day to do what they wanted. There was an obstacle course set up in the schoolyard, a snack station that had Moose Jaw Police Service members and teachers handing out milk, cheese strings and bananas to students, along with various stations set up inside and outside of the school. 

"I'm really a true believer in the power of play and learning through play. They don't even know sometimes that they're being physically active or learning about science, physics, math or biology and all of those things are happening right under their noses... and they're having fun, which to me is the best part," Adrian explained.

The idea of applying for the play day came from a coworker, and Adrian quickly realized a similar event that they held in Febraruy fell very closely in line with what the application was looking for. Back in February, another play day was held and Adrian said there were some significant positives noticed immediately afterwards, which is why the ultimately applied to do another event like it. 

"We noticed that kids were playing on the playground better with each other afterwards, that was kind of the purpose behind it is to build some relationships, and help kids work through some of the problems that arise in social situations on the playground but they don't have time in 15 minutes to navigate all the way through. It's really that holistic approach of the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing," said Adrian.

Part of the presentation in the morning saw a financial boost to the tune of $2,000 for the school, and Adrian said they have some plans for the money but they've also asked the kids to compile a list of what they'd like to see as well. 

"We're thinking things like maybe some Tonka trucks, something they can play open-ended in the sand, they've asked for soccer nets that permanently stay outside to play soccer or whatever games they would like to play with the nets out there. We haven't spent any of the money but those are kind of our plans and we'll see what else comes in on those wish lists."

St.Agnes was one of three schools across the country chosen for this opportunity this year.