Play Ball! St. Mary CES in Lindsay named Jays Affiliate School
Feb. 19, 2026
Students at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Lindsay have even more reason to cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays this year. The school has officially been selected as a Jays Affiliate School — bringing new opportunities for students in Grades 4–8 to learn the fundamentals of baseball in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.
The application was spearheaded by the school’s Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) Ashley Cantwell, whose passion for the game — and for student engagement — helped bring the program to life.
Inspired by a love of baseball and a deep appreciation for the Toronto Blue Jays, Cantwell applied for the program with a clear goal in mind: to create a safe and welcoming space where students could learn the sport and build confidence along the way. To the best of the school’s knowledge, St. Mary has not previously been an affiliate school, making this selection an exciting first.
The Jays Affiliate School program provides participating schools with equipment, t-shirts, hats, and a comprehensive guide designed to help educators deliver meaningful, skill-building experiences for students.
“The program will help create opportunities for students to build friendships, develop a love for sport, and find belonging amongst their peers,” Cantwell said. “The program will provide our school with equipment, t-shirts, hats, and a guide to ensure that all participants feel successful and have fun while learning a new sport.”
The excitement surrounding the application process was felt throughout the school. A small group of students who regularly play baseball at recess were among the first to hear that an application had been submitted — and they eagerly followed every update.
“It’s so great to have been a successful applicant. When I was applying for the program I shared that with a few of our students that play baseball at recess. Everyday they would ask me if I had heard anything yet and when the day came that I could share the great news, it was so awesome. They were so excited and happy!”
Laura Carson, Principal of St. Mary CES Lindsay shared in the excitement:
“We are so excited to be chosen as a Jays Affiliate school. This opportunity allows students in Grades 4 – 8 to learn how to play the sport of baseball, and it also teaches them how to be good teammates, students, and friends.”
With equipment on the way and students already eager to get started, St. Mary CES looks forward to building a strong baseball culture within the school community — one that promotes teamwork, belonging, and school spirit.
The school also plans to continue its participation in future years, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to step up to the plate.