The ever popular ESM Family Skating Program is back for another year. All students and families at ESM, including Pre-Primary, are invited to skate at the St. Margaret’s Centre in Upper Tantallon for one hour on the following dates:
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 3:30-4:30 PM
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 3:30-4:30 PM
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 3:30-4:30 PM
ESM will provide free bussing for Primary through Grade 6 to the rink in addition to free ice time for all attendees. Should you wish for your Pre-Primary student to attend, they will need to be under the care and supervision of a parent/guardian at all times. As such, Pre-Primary students will need to be transported to the rink by a parent/guardian.
The attendance of family members is optional with the exception of our Pre-Primary students who are required to be in the care of a parent/guardian at all times.
Transportation
Skating will occur from 3:30-4:30 PM for all students.
Students will be leaving ESM following school dismissal at 2:45 PM. They will travel to the rink on our school bus. No transportation will be provided back to the school.
Families are required to pick up their P-6 students at the St Margaret’s Centre at 4:30 PM. If parents/guardians are unable to pick up their students, they are required to make other arrangements for pick up. Please let the school staff know of your plans on the slip attached below.
Students are not required to attend skating. Regular buses will be running so that students may travel home if their families choose not to participate in our skating event. Our two afternoon bus runs - 1117 & 1121 - will be merged, which will throw off our drop off times. If you have concerns about this, please reach out to the ESM Office.
Hockey Equipment
During our ice time, hockey will be allowed on half the ice.Students are welcome to bring a hockey stick and/or puck if they would like to play. Please note that sticks are not allowed to travel on the school bus. If families can arrange to bring them to the school, we will make arrangements to transport them to the arena by car.
Required Equipment and Clothing
Helmet for use on ice (NOT a bike helmet); ice skates; warm coat, snow pants (optional), and mittens
****Helmets are required to be worn on the ice by both adults and children.****
If you do not have skates or a helmet for your student or yourself we might suggest some options:
Perhaps our community might be able to help. A Google sheet has been created as a forum for families to post items available for loan or donation, or to post items needed to borrow. Included on the form is a space to leave contact information so families can easily make arrangements with each other. Click here to see our ESM Skate & Helmet Exchange Program. This page is also linked to the Latest News section on the Main Page of our school website.
There are some helmets available at the St Margaret’s Centre to borrow, but their number is very limited.
The Bay Skate Shop located at St Margaret’s Centre sells used skates and equipment at prices that range from $20-50. Contact Bruce - 902-471-0305 or visit the shop Monday-Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM, and weekends weekends from 8:00 AM-2:00 PM.