St. Peter's students soar to national e-sports stage

UNITY - St. Peter’s School is abuzz with excitement as three Grade 5 students from the newly formed e-sports club prepare to represent their school on the national stage. Jaxon Bertoia, Bryson Sieben and Max Lavoie competed in the Rocket League Canadian National Tournament Nov. 30, in the under-15 division.

The trio earned their spot after a remarkable performance in the Saskatchewan provincial tournament held on Oct. 26, where they clinched second place. Competing against more seasoned teams, the Saints showcased skill, determination, and an impressive level of teamwork that propelled them to the top ranks.

“It’s incredible to see what these students have accomplished in such a short time,” said Shayne Emond, the club’s advisor. “The e-sports club is brand new this year, and the enthusiasm from the kids has been overwhelming. To already have a team at the national level is beyond our expectations.”

The e-sports club at St. Peter’s isn’t just about winning trophies — it’s about fostering valuable skills. Students learn teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and adaptability as they play games like Rocket League together. These lessons extend far beyond the screen and into their academic and personal lives.

“We’ve seen a real sense of camaraderie among the kids,” Emond added. “They encourage each other, share tips, and celebrate each other’s successes. It’s teaching them to collaborate and problem-solve in a way that’s fun and engaging.”

With around 25 participants in the club, games are played on a single Nintendo Switch gaming system. While the students are patient and supportive of one another, the club has its sights set on acquiring additional devices in the coming year to reduce wait times and allow more students to play.

For Jaxon, Bryson and Max, the road to nationals has been thrilling. The trio has spent countless hours honing their skills during lunchtime practices, often reviewing strategies and game footage together.

“We are excited. I've been practicing with my big brother, and I'm feeling good for nationals,” said Jaxon. “I think we're playing pretty good together.”

The national tournament promises stiff competition from across Canada, but the Saints are determined to put on a strong showing. Win or lose, they’ve already made their school and community proud.

With the rapid rise of the e-sports club, St. Peter’s School is embracing this modern addition to its extracurricular offerings. “We’re just getting started,” Mr. Emond said. “This program has shown us how much interest there is in e-sports. With more resources, we could unlock even greater potential in our students.”

The Saints competed on Nov. 30, taking their skills to the national stage. The team played others from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec in the U15 division. Although it was a great experience for the kids, they were eliminated before the quarterfinals after losing to the other schools they played.

“Unfortunately, some of these teams have years of experience (Grade 10 vs Grade 5) whereas we have only a few months. They are excited to train for next year and prove that teamwork and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements — even in the digital arena,” said Emond.