WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
A Third of St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Elora Students Join the Chess Club

Over one hundred students at the school, from grades 1 - 8 are learning - and fine tuning, their chess skills in the school's chess club.

The chess club is driven by teachers Karen Lombard and Chelsey Cayen, as a way to improve students cognitive and program-solving skills while enjoying learning a lifelong skill.

"This club runs from January to March," explained Lombard. "It's a great way to have a club where students can interact and practice a skill together during the colder months. We know there are many cognitive benefits to learning chess in terms of enhancing focus and improving problem-solving skills but our students our also learning sportsmanship such as making sure they shake hands before and after each game."

Currently, the club allows for students to play their respective age group once a week from January straight through to March.

"We encourage them to play with a variety of peers in their group grades 1-3 or 4-6," shared Cayen. "We have around 100 students who participate. At our first meeting we had a mix of students who were already familiar with the game and students who were interested in learning it for the first time so it's great to see them teaching and learning from each other."

And you don't have to be an expert to be a part of the chess club! The club at St. Mary's CS welcomes students of all skill levels.

"Those who are new to the club have had a couple of teaching sessions. We've given out 'cheat sheets' for them to use at home and shared some free online chess sites for them to play at home," said Lombard. "The best learning happens while practicing with their peers. We keep it light and fun! After we've selected the board chess participants, we will have a few more serious sessions to practice moves and strategy."

Beyond the chess club, students have the opportunity to be considered for the Wellington Catholic DSB  board wide championship held in March. Students who wish to be considered for the school board wide chess tournament must attend 5 sessions to qualify.

"The top 2 scores in each grade 2-8 from the school tournament will go to St. Peter Catholic School for the board wide tournament!" shared Cayen.

Students will battle it out over the next month before heading to the board wide chess tournament, that will see near 200 students facing off for the top spot on March 1, 2023 at St. Peter Catholic School.