The Arts Committee curates a variety of age appropriate arts programs each year that use drama, storytelling, music, dance and visual arts to enhance our children’s curriculum. The funding for these programs comes from Parent Council fundraising events, shopping links and the direct donations program. Thanks to contributions from Wilkinson families, the Parent Council funded five arts programs this year, featuring visual arts, opera, French language and storytelling.
On November 15, local artist, illustrator and author, Irene Luxbacher ran a visual arts workshop for for Rooms 21 and 27.
The workshop began with a reading of the book, Malaika’s Costume, written by Nadia L. Hohn and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher, followed by a discussion about empathy, diversity, inclusion and putting ourselves into someone else’s shoes. Next Irene demonstrated drawing and painting techniques that students could use to create a painting that reflected stories or personal characteristics that set them apart or make them feel different from others. She then showed them how they could transform their painting into a headpiece that they’d feel proud to wear or look at — a symbol of turning an experience or emotion into a celebration of their own and of their class-mates uniqueness. After the program, students could create stories about their headpieces or try on another student’s item and talk about how they think the creator felt when they made their art and their creative choices.
See photos and read the student reviews from Room 21!
On December 18th, Millan & Faye performed “From Twinkle To Stardom” for students in Grades 3 to 6.
A comedic introduction to the Opera! From Twinkle to Stardom explores the challenges and fears that must be faced on the road to becoming a performing artist. Combining high-level artistry with meaningful story lines, this effervescent and irreverent performance uses humour and active audience participation to introduce young people to the wacky and wonderful world of opera. (Image from prologue.org)
Curriculum Connections:
– Introduction to technical, artistic and production elements of opera.
– Risk-taking, and developing self-confidence.
Students from Room 22 interviewed their peers while many from Room 23 used a star rating system and Room 26 shared their thoughts here.
The new year began with Roseneath Theatre’s production of “Birds of a Feather” on January 25th for Grades 1 to 4.
While on vacation with her grandma in Hawaii, junior birdwatcher Sarah makes a new friend in Violet who introduces her to the world of the Laysan albatross, a native species of bird that has a different kind of family from many others. Violet suggests they create and act out a story about two albatross who are working together to hatch an egg. Through their exploration they learn about compromise, believing in yourself and that family – in all its varieties – is made up of the people who love you.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Drama, Social Studies.
(Illustration by Claudia Dávila courtesy of roseneath.ca)
Room 14 explained why they liked the play, Room 7 illustrated and wrote about their favourite parts, and Room 23 submitted two reviews.
“Birds of a Feather“ was followed by storytelling by Rukshana Khan on May 16th for Kindergarten students.
Rukshana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller. She was born in Lahore, Pakistan and immigrated to Canada at the age of three. Growing up in Dundas, Ontario she was ruthlessly bullied and dreamed of being an author, but didn’t think it was possible. Now she has twelve books published (one of which was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the 100 greatest children’s books in the last 100 years). Some of her books have been published in other countries and in different languages. When she’s not writing, she visits around eighty schools a year, all over Canada, the U.S. and internationally to meet students from kindergarten to high school.
(Photo courtesy of @wilkinsonTDSB)
Room 4 discussed what they learned from “The Big Red Lollipop”.
The last program of the year was DuffleBag Theatre’s performance of “La belle et la bête” (Beauty and the Beast) on May 30th for Grades 4 to 6 Extended French and Grades 5 and 6 Core French students.
DuffleBag Theatre brings classic fairy tales and folktales to life in their signature fun-filled and humorous fashion, using audience members as the stars. Students are enchanted by the clever stagecraft and witty narration and thrilled to watch their peers be included in the company’s performances, especially when the performers don’t go exactly by the book!
Curriculum Connections:
– Improvisational theatre as a creative means to adapt conventional storylines.
– Using props and costumes to portray different characters and change scenes.
(Image from prologue.org)
Read some perspectives from Room 23 and Room 20’s thoughtful analysis here.
Thank You Arts Committee For A Great Year of Programming!
