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
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