The Arts play a crucial role in fostering a child's imagination and later on exploring their creative side. Research has shown that the arts develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, students at all of our schools under the Kenora Catholic District School Board are encouraged to learn music, drama, dance and the culinary arts through both our curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
Music
At the Kenora Catholic District School Board we recognize the importance of children growing up with music education. Research has shown that music has a huge impact on a child's development in a variety of ways including language and overall IQ. Music requires a child to focus on multiple things at once and tap into multiple skill sets often simultaneously. That's why Kenora Catholic continues to offer a rich music curriculum that begins in the elementary schools and continues right up to graduation. All of our schools also offer many musical extra-curricular activities that students can sign up for.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is known in the community for having a strong and vibrant music department. Lead by highly skilled and passionate teachers, students have the option of taking a number of music courses including guitar, vocal and percussion to name a few. There are also multiple bands and choirs students can join. In addition, the school hosts various musical performances throughout the year including Streetfest and the Vocal Show.
The Symphonic Winds and Percussion Ensemble was honoured in 2018 by receiving a Silver Award in the Concert Band Division at the 46th Annual MusicFest Canada Nationals. At the exclusive, “invitation only” event, the St. Thomas Aquinas band competed with 35 of the best bands from all over Canada.
Artist in Residence
The artist in residence program brings together the unique vision and energy of professional artists with the creative potential of students and teachers. The program is sponsored through the Ontario Arts Council and supports arts education programming through residencies integrated into the school's instructional schedule. Students can experience dance, music, drama and visual arts. Our partnerships with local artists have resulted in school musicals, festival performances, murals, and incredible visual arts pieces displayed in the schools and the community.
Plays and Performances
The Kenora Catholic District School Board nurtures a rich arts culture in all of its schools and encourages students to share their talents with the community. Multiple schools put on plays and musicals while also showcasing student talent in assemblies or smaller events. Schools also celebrate the Christmas season by performing Christmas concerts for family and friends. Our school plays and performances are open to the public and we welcome anyone to come and see the incredible talent of our students.
Elementary
Many of our schools offer a drama or arts club in which students can voluntarily participate. Christmas concerts are performed for families on an annual basis and many schools also offer smaller performances throughout the school year.
Secondary
Students continue their arts education at St. Thomas Aquinas. Drama is offered as a course that students can take throughout high school. There is also a student-led Drama Club as well as a play or musical that the school produces every year. There are also numerous other smaller performances including the Christmas Concert, Streetfest and the St. Thomas Aquinas Vocal Show.