The school year started with a big transit and fitness adventure for 76 Grade 7 students from U-Hill Elementary. Using transit, the entire class managed to navigate their way from UBC to the Northshore's Grouse Grind using bus, skytrain and sea bus. Once they reached the mountain, they steeled themselves for the tough hike up the mountain. 

While it was challenging for many, every student managed to successfully make it up the Grind.

Grade 7 teacher Joe Mergens says even though the kids were out of the classroom, they didn't stop learning. The journey helped the senior elementary students develop their leadership, team/community building and goal setting skills. It also helped them develop the life skills of how to navigate transit. 

"Many kids are nervous about the Grind but are so happy with a sense of achievement when they complete it. They look forward to the June trip to the Grind," he says. 

The journey was supervised by Mergens and Grade 7 teacher Suzie Polzin and U-Hill resource teacher Keri Hurst. They were also supported by a handful of parents and volunteers including Mergens' friends Nick Menzies and Rick Yoo, who took the day off to chaperone the kids up the mountain.  

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