Dear friends of St. Patrick Fine Arts School,

Our 300+ student Kindergarten to Grade 6 school is nestled in the Riverstone subdivision on Lethbridge's growing west side, and is the only dedicated fine arts school in Lethbridge. Through the arts, we live our Catholic faith and bring our students' talents to light as we teach and learn daily through the arts including music, visual art, dance and drama. It is with this approach that we study curricula as required by the Alberta Program of Studies. We know that their exposure to the arts will only strengthen other areas of interest and talent!

In 2019-2020, our largest class size is about 25 students, and there are 2 homeroom teachers for each grade (1-6), setting them up for the best in creative collaboration. We are continuously assessing our technology needs, and we currently utilize 2 iPad carts, 1 laptop cart, 50+ Chromebooks, numerous classroom computers (including in the art studio and drama workshop) as well as an increasing number of BYOD learning experiences. Integrating technology to enhance individual and group learning and is a key part of our age-appropriate program design; students grow in their digital technology skills at every stage, as well. Our Learning Commons is where traditional library elements merge with ones of collaboration, research, and creation. This is an entirely new state of mind that contributes to expanded ways of learning and knowing. The possibilities are very exciting!

All of our students' gifts are worthy of celebration, and students who excel in a wide range of areas have a place at our school. To complement daily instruction, we offer co-curricular club opportunities in a wide range of areas throughout the year. In these, students are able to pursue their arts interests in choral singing, art, drama and dance by participating in any or all of these lunchtime clubs. Choir and dance clubs often perform at our school celebrations and assemblies. In addition, Division II students can join the Me to We club to learn more about social justice and growing a selfless attitude that makes everyone better. Athletic interests are met in badminton club, as well as grade 6 volleyball, grade 6 basketball, and other physical pursuits. Our grade 4-6 students also participate in exploratory classes (LAUNCH) that change each year to best serve our students, allow our teachers to share their talents, and attend to the growing changes in future workforce demands. Past classes have included animation, architecture, robotics, choreography, collaborative theatre, gardening and song writing, just to name a few.

Our rich fine arts program is brought to life by our students taking their talents to the greater community. St. Patrick choirs have participated in many city events, including Christmas carols at City Hall, singing with the Lethbridge Symphony Kids Night, and joining district junior high students whenever possible. Each class is entered in the Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival, and have found those experiences to be very rewarding. Our Christmas Concert is a wonderfully traditional 2-evening event at the Yates Theatre, and, after a very full year of fine arts activities, the grade 6s showcase their many years of creative learning in a memorable evening.

Along with daily religious instruction rooted in Gospel values, our mission as a Catholic school calls for us to reach out to the wider community through classroom social justice projects. We actively support Mission Mexico, the Interfaith Food Bank, Holy Childhood, Development and Peace, as well as other worthy projects. The liturgical year guides our school celebrations, and we gather often as a school to sing and pray together. All students participate in a lively retreat each year, and many will partake in First Holy Communion and Confirmation sacraments while attending St. Patrick Fine Arts. Learn more about our 3 year faith plan here.

St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School is a growing, vibrant and energetic school with a bright future and proud history of providing a fulfilling and rich arts experience for every student. Our parents agree: "...it is a Christ-centered school that encourages our children to grow spiritually and to learn in a creative and active environment. We love the teachers and staff who share their talents and wonderful skills and experiences with our children."

I welcome your input and feedback at any time.

God Bless,

Mrs. Kathy Jones-Husch, Principal
jonesk@holyspirit.ab.ca