Keepers of the Earth
Sunningdale Public School celebrates Education Week

By Rob Eatough, Principal, Sunningdale P.S.

On May 7, Sunningdale students in Grades 3-8 celebrated Education Week with a wonderful presentation.  Many guests were on hand to see the self-created ‘Faisons Des Liens’ production. 

Over the course of the preceding weeks, students were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Marc Richard.  He is an arts specialist and  drama consultant who instructs drama and dance at Sheridan College, York University, and works with various groups across the Canada.  He also works closely with the Halton District School Board and was a key contributor to the Drama and Dance curriculum.

Over the course of five sessions, he used his skills in the area of drama to coach and guide students in how they can express and communicate their knowledge, thoughts and concerns about the environment. 

Once some basic concepts were shared and practiced, Richard involved the students in a process to decide the best means for communicating their particular messages related to the environment.  Each grade took on a topic that was directly connected and relevant to their curriculum. For instance, Grade 5 students conveyed important messages related to plant growth.

Dance, drama, music and visual arts are expressions of the ideas, values and concerns of individuals and societies. It is important for learners to become literate in the arts – to develop an understanding and appreciation of the creative process. 

Sunningdale students learned that there are many ways for communicating our learning, such as drama. They also learned that they can achieve great things when they focus and put their minds into their work.