Families filled St. Michael Catholic Academy鈥檚 gym, in Thornhill, Ont., on Thursday, February 29, 2024, to learn more about the school鈥檚 unique Elementary Regional Arts Program.聽
Under the Elementary Regional Arts Program鈥檚 model, students in grades 4 through 8 complete the regular school curriculum in a compressed time, allowing for an hour per day of instruction in dance, choir, instrumental music, drama and fine arts.
According to St. Michael鈥檚 Principal Annette D鈥橝ddese, this school holds a special place in the hearts of students and staff.
鈥淚 had dreams that I would work in a school like this,鈥� said D’Addese, as she referenced the ideal arts schools that she saw portrayed on TV and in film.
Students receive art instruction with the assistance of visiting university professors and local musicians. School staff are known to go the extra mile to support the school鈥檚 annual art exhibit, musical theatre production (this year includes a performance in Montreal).聽
Local Catholic School Board Trustee Carol Cotton was on hand for the open house, and she shared the experience her one child had in the Elementary Regional Arts Program.
鈥淚f your children have the opportunity to come here, they will have an experience that is unusual, happy and extremely satisfying,鈥� said Cotton.聽
For her part, Principal D鈥橝ddese pointed to research that shows the arts help children develop their learning, identity, commitment and well-being.聽
St. Michael鈥檚 is the 麻豆原创鈥檚 only Elementary Regional Arts Program, and it attracts students from across the Greater Toronto Area. No auditions are required to enrol, and the school has a before and after care program.聽
For more information on the Elementary Regional Arts Program, please . Spaces in the program are limited.聽
