At the sound of the recess bell students from Pope John Paul II School and École Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys are a little more excited on Thursdays.
"We're sharing recesses! It's where you go to the other school and we play together," said Kate Muise a Grade 4 at PJP.
École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys and Pope John Paul II School sit right beside each other on the Kenora Catholic campus, connected by a sidewalk between their playgrounds. Normally the gates are closed between the two schools, but not on Thursday morning.
"I get to see what the other school's outside area is like. It's really fun," said Grade 3 student Lily Johnson, who was playing with Muise.
While some kids explored the other school's playground, lots sought out their friends to play games like Hide-and-Seek, Gaga Ball or just to walk around and chat together. Grade 3 student from SMB, Phoebe Rody, explained what her favourite part is.
"Because I get to play with my friends from PJP. I know them from hockey. We're gonna play hide-and-seek," she said.
From now on every Thursday children will get to share their morning recess with the other school. The initiative was started last year to help create a stronger sense of community between the two schools. Students will eventually join each other in Grade 7 just a couple dozen metres away at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.