Teacher dresses as bunny to encourage students during cross country meets

TORONTO-  Jon Barnes loves life. He has a passion for sports and what sport represents.

This grown man dresses up in a bunny suit, and leads students either on foot or on a bike during cross country meets.

“My official role is to make sure the kids don’t get lost going around the course, but I have intentionally made it into a motivator making sure the kids have fun out there, enjoy being here and really just being a part of the team,” Barnes said.

On Friday, October 18, The Eastern Conference Cross Country Finals took place at Thompson Park in Scarborough. More than 1000 students  from grades three to eight participated from 120 schools, representing the eastern part of the Toronto District School Board.

“Jon is the epitome of a perfect teacher. Whether it’s in the classroom, whether it’s doing extracurricular activities, the kids not only appreciate his efforts but certainly respect him, and respect him because he does all the extra things as a quality teacher,” said David Milgram, former principle at Joseph Howe Senior Public School.

Mr. Barnes has been teaching kids for the last 15 years and has been volunteering as a “bunny” for nearly a decade.

“What do you prefer, teaching in class or what you’re teaching them out here?” Susan Hay asked Barnes.

“Well, I think every day that I spend with the kids is great. Being in the classroom you get to teach them all sorts of important life skills, but being out of the classroom you get to see them in a whole different way- and you get to help them improve academically and athletically and that really makes them a better person,” said Barnes.

“He’s always at the front cheering me on. He waits for every single last person to finish the race before he moves on to the next race,” said Christine Vizl, grade eight student at Joseph Howe Senior Public School.

Mr. Barnes says that this is why he got into the profession. Days like these are the best thing in the world because he gets to spend quality time with the kids.

“And if you’re a great teacher, you love being with the kids!” said Barnes.

“I think Mr. Barnes has been a great inspiration- He’s a great encourager, he’s been very important in my child’s life,” said Ralph Vizl, father of Christine Vizl.