I would like to extend an invitation to this year's ECIS PE Conference hosted by St. John's International School in Waterloo, Belgium.

The theme this year is "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano"

I am certainly looking forward to attending for so many reasons. In the past, participants at these conferences have raved about the opportunities to:

• listen to inspirational speakers in our field
• share practical and tested strategies and new lesson ideas for teaching quality physical education
• participate in some "hands on" learning
• engage in the informal, yet rewarding conversations that occur between sessions with colleagues from all over the world

This year's conference is shaping up to be just as exciting as the ones you may have attended in Zurich, Switzerland (2009), Tunis, Tunisia (2008),… and Waterloo, Belgium way back in 1998. Yes, this is the second time that Dirk Jacobs has volunteered to host a PE Conference. Our committee would like to extend a thank you to Dirk for taking on this responsibility again. I am confident that he and his competent crew will provide a valuable opportunity for professional development in the field of physical education and coaching.

A number of great presenters have already been secured. Included in this list are researchers from Universities, leaders in various strands of physical education, and favorites from past conferences. Please let me remind you that an additional strength of this event is that many of the presenters include teachers like yourself. The ECIS PE Committee would like to encourage you to step up and be a presenter as well. Share some of your ideas about assessment in physical education, a new game/activity that your students actively enjoy, or a unit that you have developed. The best ideas are often the ones that teachers can take back to their classrooms in the following week.

Finally, we would like to recognize the director of St. John's International School, Tom Walters and the entire St. John's community for their hospitality. They clearly appreciate the value of the PE Conferences and how it can enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in our schools. Without their cooperation and support, this event would not be possible.

I can’t wait to swim, shoot, run, jump, dodge, and dance with you all in April.

See you in the gym at St. John's International School!

Chrissy Moncrief
ECIS PE Committee Chair