Theatre arts program saluted

North Star School in Atikokan is being recognized by the Rainy River District School Board at its regular meeting tonight for providing a theatre arts program for students there.
In February, Doug Dunnet’s Grade 5/6 class participated in a workshop with the De-baj-a-muh-jig (“Storyteller” in Cree and Ojibway) Theatre Group.
They worked with the students for an hour-and-a-half each day during a two-week period.
The workshop had two purposes.
“One was to provide our students with an authentic drama learning experience,” stated a report to the board. “The second purpose was to provide a training opportunity for three theatre apprentices.”
The report indicated the theatre experience allowed students the opportunity to hone their improve skills.
“They learned to interact positively with each other, and worked together to provide a fun and interactive performance for family and friends,” it read.
“The experience helped many students overcome their shyness and was a huge boost for their self-esteem,” it added. “They learned to be very creative and quick to think on their feet.”
Cross-curricular connections were made through literacy, social studies, physical education, and drama.
Also at tonight’s meeting, which gets underway at 7 p.m. at the North Star School in Atikokan, the board will:
•hear a report about assistive technology;
•vote on a recommendation made regarding the Education Centre Capital project; and
•hear reports on the recent Spirit of Mandela Week and Education Week celebrations at board schools.