CanSkate & Pre-School Programs |
 Welcome to the Saint John Skating Club's (SJSC) Learn-to-Skate Program. This Program has been developed and improved upon for over 50 years by our national organization, "Skate Canada." All clubs, coaches and members become members of this organization once they become registered for a skating program. What is CanSkate?
CanSkate is a nationally standardized learn-to-skate program for ages 3 to 99 years that teaches fundamental movements and basic skills. It is available in all member Skate Canada skating clubs across Canada and delivered by trained certified professional coaches.
The Program Assistants (PA's) are volunteers who train annually and assist the coaches with the delivery of the program on-ice. These volunteers, usually skaters, have mastered the CanSkate program skills and have the minimum age of 12 years. In the SJSC our Sr. PA's are 12 years and older and assist our coaches in the development of our youngest members. Jr. PA's are usually 10 and 11 years old and assist the Sr. PA's and coaches. Our "gophers" are very keen 8 and 9 year olds who have graduated from the program and they assist everyone by retrieving teaching aids, incentives and most importantly of all, all those little people who are not steady on their feet. When and Where is Preschool/CanSkate Offered?
The Canskate Program is 2 days a week, 45 minutes each day, and is offered at two locations.
We offer an East side program, Tuesdays, 5:45-6:30pm and Fridays, 6:00-6:45pm at the Stewart Hurley Arena. Our West side program operates on Mondays from 5:30-6:15pm and on Saturdays from 10:45am-11:30am at the Peter Murray Arena (formerly Lancaster Centennial Arena). You may only choose one program. If you wish for your child to skate more than two days a week, permission must be received from the Board of Directors and monetary arrangements will be made accordingly. CanSkate skaters must skate the days they have chosen, Tuesday/Friday, or Monday/Saturday. If a skater misses skating time due to illness, personal holidays or appointments, etc., we are sorry but they cannot make it up by skating other CanSkate sessions. Preschool
The Preschool Program is 2 days a week, 30 minutes each day. It is for 3 - 4 year olds and runs during the last one half hour of CanSkate. The East side program is on Tuesdays, 6:00-6:30 p.m and Fridays, 6:15-6:45pm at the St ewart Hurley Arena. The West side program operates on Mondays from 5:45-6:15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11:00-11:30 am at the Peter Murray Arena (formerly Lancaster Centennial Arena).
How Much Does It Cost?
Please see Registration form for details.
General Information
Parents/Guardians are requested to remain in the arena for the duration of CanSkate sessions. Accidents can happen and even though our Coaches are fully trained and certified in First Aid continually, it is nice to know that we can keep them on the ice once they have assessed and administered the appropriate First Aid to the skater.
It is compulsory for all CanSkate members to wear certified CSA helmets. Bicycle helmets are accepted BUT remember, these helmets are only made for a one time hit. Chin protectors are also a good investment. CanSkate skaters are requested to use the dressing rooms assigned to them. Signs are usually posted on the doors to indicate which rooms those are. Occasionally some of our coaches are away at competitions, training sessions etc., with our Junior, Intermediate and/or Senior skaters. We do our best to provide a back-up coach but sometimes it can be difficult. Instead of our regular two coaches on the ice we may have one. Sometimes our assistants are away at the same time and we ask for your understanding on these short-handed days. (Usually only 1 or 2 a year) If you can help out on the ice (skates needed) on those days please let us know as soon as possible so that we can let you know what days these may be. CanSkate skaters are arranged in groups according to skills mastered. These groups are arranged by colour and change approximately every 6-8 weeks. Assessing of skills is done daily by our coaches. Once a stage is mastered, a badge is issued. Report cards are given out in December and again at the end of the year. If a skater masters all 6 Stages before the end of the skating season, our CanSkate coach will notify you and advise as to the next step in skating. Throughout the year our CanSkate coaches also like to have some Fun Days. Some of these in the past have been; summer in February, Crazy Helmet Day, Pajama Day and many more. Look for signage of these days and have some fun. Don't forget to bring your camera. Games are usually the order on these Fun Days. Please also read the General Information section below. Beyond CanSkate
The Saint John Skating Club also offers programs other than CanSkate. Once your child has completed all 6 Stages in CanSkate they can move into either our Junior or Intermediate programs. Our CanSkate coach will let you know when your child has mastered the necessary skills. These are Learn-to-Figure Skate programs which involve badges and formal Skate Canada tests. The difference between these two programs is cost and ice-time.Skaters in the Junior program have more group oriented lessons than those in Intermediate. The Junior program registration fee includes a one half hour group lesson at each session. All lessons in the Intermediate program are billed by the base coach directly. Your registration fee at the beginning of the year only covers ice time. Once your child moves into one of these programs you must choose a base coach who will help guide you through your figure skating career. More CanSkate Information
For more information on the CanSkate program, visit the Programs section on the Skate Canada web site.
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Junior Program |
Program Definition
A junior skater is anyone who has passed at least Stage 4 of CanSkate and can demonstrate a strong skating ability. Juniors skate two days a week and each session includes a half hour group lesson. Private lessons are available but are arranged with your base coach. The registration fee only covers ice time and the half hour group lesson, so the skater's parents/guardians must choose a base coach if they wish to arrange private lessons. Different coaches have different methods of coaching and it is wise to ask around. Lesson fee schedules and resumes are available from Board members to assist you in selecting your coach. Some coaches work alone while others have a team. Junior skaters skate 2 hours per week.
Program Assistants
With our ever growing CanSkate Program we are always in need of Program Assistants (PA's). It is expected that all Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters volunteer some time each week to assist with the development of our future Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. To become a Sr. PA you must be 12 years old and have a firm grasp of the skills in the CanSkate program. A Jr. PA is 10 or 11 years of age and they assist the Sr. PA's and coaches. "Gophers" are keen 8 and 9 year olds who assist everybody. Our CanSkate coach will be doing training sessions at the beginning of the season. Please watch for the times and dates. Even one hour a week is not gone unnoticed.
How Much Does It Cost?
Please see Registration form for details.
When and Where is The Junior Program Offered?
Junior skaters skate 2 hours per week. You may choose two of the following times:Tuesdays (Stewart Hurley Arena) - 4:30pm - 5:30pm Saturdays (Peter Murray Arena) - 7:30am - 8:30am View the complete Ice Schedule for the Saint John Skating Club here.
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Intermediate Program |
Program Definition
Intermediate skaters have the same qualifications as Junior skaters but have more ice-time available to them and lessons are predominantly private. These private lessons are usually 15 minutes in length and given anywhere between once or five times a week. Group lessons are sometimes given by a coach as well. Registration fees cover ice-time only so you must arrange for a base coach to instruct your child. There are two types of Intermediate memberships; 2 day and 4 day. If a two day membership is purchased the skater may only skate the days selected. If for some reason time is missed there are no make-up days. There are also specific skating times for Intermediates and those times must be adhered to. Coaches, parents and skaters are requested to respect the skating schedule.
Program Assistants
With our ever growing CanSkate Program we are always in need of Program Assistants (PA's). It is expected that all Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters volunteer some time each week to assist with the development of our future Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. To become a Sr. PA you must be 12 years old and have a firm grasp of the skills in the CanSkate program. A Jr. PA is 10 or 11 years of age and they assist the Sr. PA's and coaches. "Gophers" are keen 8 and 9 year olds who assist everybody. Our CanSkate coach will be doing training sessions at the beginning of the season. Please watch for the times and dates. Even one hour a week is not gone unnoticed.
How Much Does It Cost?
Please see Registration form for details.
When and Where is The Intermediate Program Offered?
Mondays (Peter Murray Arena) - 6:30pm - 8pm Tuesdays (Stewart Hurley Arena) - 4:30pm - 5:45pm Wednesdays (Stewart Hurley Arena) - 4:30pm - 6:00pm Saturdays (Peter Murray Arena) - 7:30am - 9am Note: For the 2-day program, you may choose two of the above times. View the complete Ice Schedule for the Saint John Skating Club here.
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Senior Program |
Program Definition
Senior skaters must meet specific criteria to skate during senior ice time. Test qualifications change annually.
With the level of skating constantly on the move in the Saint John Skating Club these criteria are addressed yearly and may be modified at any time. If you are not sure of the current year's criteria please inquire. Lessons for senior skaters are predominantly private. Each coach has different methods of how they coach. Check with your base coach for more information. High level test days are held twice a year for the seniors.
Program Assistants
With our ever growing CanSkate Program we are always in need of Program Assistants (PA's). It is expected that all Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters volunteer some time each week to assist with the development of our future Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. To become a Sr. PA you must be 12 years old and have a firm grasp of the skills in the CanSkate program. A Jr. PA is 10 or 11 years of age and they assist the Sr. PA's and coaches. "Gophers" are keen 8 and 9 year olds who assist everybody. Our CanSkate coach will be doing training sessions at the beginning of the season. Please watch for the times and dates. Even one hour a week is not gone unnoticed.
How Much Does It Cost?
Please see registration form for details.
When and Where is The Senior Program Offered?
Mondays (Peter Murray Arena) - 6:30pm - 8:00pmTuesdays (Stewart Hurley Arena) - 6:45pm - 8:15pm Wednesdays (Stewart Hurley Arena) - 4:30pm - 6:00pm Fridays (Stewrat Hurley Arena) - 5:15pm - 6:00pm & 7:00pm - 8:00pm Saturdays (Peter Murray Arena) - 9am - 10:45am View the complete Ice Schedule for the Saint John Skating Club here.
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Adult Program |
Program Definition
We are offering our Adult program again this year. This program is designed for skaters from 18 years upwards who wish to improve their skating skills or learn new ones.
Your registration fees cover ice-time only and your lessons are extra. From experience, this is the preferred method. Lessons are booked with the coach of your choice and they can then be customized to your level. Sometimes skaters of the same level will book mini group lessons. There is very limited space for this session. It runs in conjunction with another program on the ice. Please register early! How Much Does It Cost?
Please see Registration form.
When and Where is The Adult Program Offered?
Skaters can choose between Tuesday evenings at the Stewart Hurley arena from 7:15-8:15pm or Saturday mornings at the Peter Murray arena from 7:30 - 8:30 am.
View the complete Ice Schedule for the Saint John Skating Club here. Registration Days
For information on when and where you may register for the Adult program, please go to the registration information page.
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General Information |
Liability
The Saint John Skating Club (SJSC) shall not in any way be responsible for loss of property, damage, or injuries to persons, including participants while on the premises.
Membership Limitation
Membership will be closed for any group which becomes filled to capacity. A waiting list will be started. The club reserves the right to change categories or ice times with notice at any time during the skating year and may pre-empt ice times for test days and competitions.
Code of Conduct
Coaches
We are fortunate to have a very qualified and skilled coaching staff. The group we have assembled can offer our members expertise in every skating discipline from beginner to national competitive level. The success of our Club requires an honest and open relationship between skaters, parents, coaches and the Club. We present the following information for new members and as a reminder for returning members.
The first coach hired by a skater's parents for private lessons is known as the base or primary coach. In accordance with Skate Canada guidelines, any other coach wishing to teach the skater in any other discipline must first get approval from the Primary Coach. If a skater wishes to change coach, etiquette dictates that the skater's parents ask the new coach if they would be willing to teach the skater, then the parents inform the former coach of the change and pay them in full before taking lessons from the new coach. Skate Canada and the Saint John Skating Club requires that the former primary coach gracefully relinquish any skater that wishes to change coaches. Please be aware it is against Skate Canada and Saint John Skating Club guidelines for any coach to "solicit" a skater away from another coach. Coaches are required to provide upon request a schedule of their fees for lessons, test supervision, competition supervision and music tapes. For more information on our coaches, visit the Coaches section of our web site. Refund Policy
Refunds are given up to November 15th, 2004, minus a $25.00 administration fee. Requests for refunds after this date are to be made in writing and on a pro rata formula plus a $25.00 administration fee.
Overdue Accounts
Any member whose account is past due by 30 days will receive a notice from the Treasurer. For NSF cheques there will be a $20.00 service charge. If assistance is required, please contact the Treasurer.
The Saint John Skating Club (SJSC) shall not in any way be responsible for loss of property, damage, or injuries to persons, including participants while on the premises. Membership will be closed for any group which becomes filled to capacity. A waiting list will be started. The club reserves the right to change categories or ice times with notice at any time during the skating year and may pre-empt ice times for test days and competitions. Cancellation Days
There are a few days where skating is cancelled due to hockey tournaments etc. These missed days are calculated into your registration fees. There will be no make-up days for these cancelled sessions. We will inform you of these cancelled sessions in newsletters, posted signs and handouts. It is very important that you read all signage posted around the rink, handouts, newsletters, our Bulletin Board and our web site at www.sjsc.ca. Occasionally Mother Nature shows us her ugly side and gives us a storm. Skating does not cancel on these days unless the City of Saint John closes all arenas. This announcement is made over the radio. There will be no make-up sessions for these cancelled days.
Fund Raising
All club members are requested to participate in our fund-raising activities. We do understand that this can sometimes be a strain. We do not expect any member to do door-to-door selling. Like school, we would like you to only visit family and friends. Registration fees do not cover the operating budget of this club. Our ice fees alone are in excess of $30,000 annually. On top of this we also have coaches' fees, badges, office supplies (a tremendous amount of photocopying), teaching aids, awards and incentives and, end of the year gifts for our volunteers.
Competitions
During the skating year there are many competitions for our Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters. All skaters who compete must submit copies of their results sheet to the Competition/Publicity chairperson for publication in our newsletters and to be eligible for awards at the end of the season. Please hand in result sheets within one (1) week of the competition.
Skate Canada Test Days
Once a skater has mastered certain skills (Free Style, Dance, Skills or Artistic), tests are taken on Skate Canada test days and evaluated by certified Skate Canada evaluators. Test days are scheduled based on the guidelines published by Skate Canada, however each Evaluator works at their own pace. Therefore, please arrive 45 minutes ahead of time as test days can get as much as 30 minutes ahead of schedule.It is the skater's responsibility to keep all their test sheets as there are sometimes errors in the records and it is necessary to prove you have passed a pre-requisite test to continue. Should a test be missed due to illness, a doctor's certificate must be submitted (within one week) to the Test Chairperson and the fee will be refunded. Should a skater fail to show up for a test, the fee is still payable and the test will be listed as a "Retry" on the submitted test forms. Please double check with your coach that you are in for the correct tests before the deadline. Test fees are due two (2) days before the test is skated and include both the Skate Canada portion of the fee that is forwarded to Skate Canada and SJSC hospitality fee that is used for test day expenses. Hospitality fees are $2.00 for low level test days and $3.00 for high level test days.
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