Entrance Requirements:
- Catholic student in the London District Catholic School Board
- Entrance by audition process in spring of student's Grade 4 year
- Evidence of musical aptitude
- Strong academics
- Fine work habits
- Motivated to learn in all areas of the arts, especially vocal and string music
- Read How to Apply
Curriculum Includes:
- All requirements of the Ontario Curriculum Grades 5-8
- Vocal and string classes
- Drama classes
- Visual arts classes
- Special programs in dance
- Strong training in physical education
- Guest artist programs in many curriculum areas
Description
St. Mary School is the home of the Choir and Orchestra Program for the London District Catholic School Board. The school draws children from across the district and our students enter at the Grade 5 level, remaining at St. Mary School until the end of their Grade 8 year. The Choir and Orchestra Program was established in 1967 and was originally housed at St. Peter School in downtown London. St. Mary is very proud to continue on with the original mandate of the program: to train students to be active members of their Catholic parishes throughout our District, serving as cantors and choristers in the church choir. Because of this our program is to be accessible to all students of our school district entering Grade 5, based on their ability to demonstrate an aptitude in vocal music and their strengths in academics and learning skills.
The curriculum offers core subjects in keeping with the Ontario Curriculum. The vocal and string program is the focus of the music curriculum throughout the four years that a student attends St. Mary School. The school provides a wide variety of opportunities for p erformance at all grade levels, including concerts, string ensembles, music festivals, stage productions, puppetry plays and role play. Students also take part in school liturgies within our school and in many of our diocesan parishes through our Outreach Program. Our goal each day is to support one another in the welcoming environment of a Catholic school community and to improve learning, with a focus on the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations in all that we do.
Mission Statement
To foster and promote the development of the spiritual, physical,
intellectual and emotional growth of all students.
To provide a distinctively Catholic education through the integration
of Catholic beliefs and values in all learning experiences.
To create a positive, secure and caring environment,
that promotes positive behaviour through mutual respect
and is supported by a code of behaviour, a partnership with parents,
Board and community resources
in order to assist students to achieve their potential.
Staffing Information
Staff members at St. Mary School are dedicated to providing a quality arts-based education for all students that is firmly grounded in Catholic teaching and values. Our music teachers in both vocal and string are highly experienced in their fields and artists in their own right who are very active within the Arts community. Many of our teachers have specialist training in a variety of curriculum areas including religion, music, dance, drama, visual arts, French, physical education and Special Education.
Facilities
Our school provides learning space for all areas of the arts. Separate classrooms exist for the study of vocal music, string music, drama and visual arts. Our gymnasium is well-equipped for a full physical education program for all grades and the stage is fitted with appropriate spotlights and sound equipment for a variety of stage productions. String instruments are purchased through the fundraising efforts of the parent community.
Transportation Information
All students within the city of London either car-pool or use city transit. All county students are provided with school bus transportation to and from St. Mary School.
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