The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

22 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 6, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com EDUCATION Fern Hill inspires learning and creativity through the arts Drama, music and art all play an important role in the curriculum and daily activities at Fern Hill School. From Pre School through Grade 8, all students are exposed to vocal and instrumental music, visual arts and drama. Student art work is displayed alongside classic works of art and antiques, visiting artists perform for and with students and every student has time in the spotlight in one of the school productions or performances. "We believe studying and experiencing the arts is essential to the social, emotional, physical and educational development and well-being of every child," said Joanne McLean, co-director at Fern Hill. "Our drama, vocal, instrumental music and visual arts programs help children to discover, develop and express their own inner creativity. Every student is encouraged to demonstrate and develop their own talents and learns to appreciate the talents of others." Opportunities include the annual musical production involving students in Grades 4-8, art exhibits, choral performances, instrumental music and jazz band. All students gain confidence in public speaking and performance through daily assemblies and school performances where everyone has the opportunity to showcase their talents. The school's vibrant arts program is taught by specialist teachers who are accomplished artists and musicians and extends outside the school through field trips to museums and galleries and attendance at theatrical and musical performances. "In the Fern Hill curriculum art, drama, vocal and instrumental music are challenging subjects with rigorous content and standards for achievement. We provide an optimum environment for students to discover and develop their talents while creating their own works, performing, and responding to the work of others," said McLean. "Central to the core values upon which we founded the school 25 years ago and continue to believe today, is that an enriching, challenging and supportive environment is necessary for personal development," added Wendy Derrick, co-director. "We also feel that teachers who are passionate and share their love of a subject will transfer their vibrant energy and expertise to children." Fern Hill's arts program is one part of the school's curriculum and mission to develop self-confident individuals of good character. Students are encouraged to explore a range of experiences across the arts, athletics and academics that will allow them to develop their potential. For more information about Fern Hill, please visit www.fernhillschool.com <http://www.fernhillschool.com/> . Tickets for the 2008 musical production of Roger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella, go on sale at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on February 1st for performances on February 19th and 20th, 2008. By: Jennifer Bennett, Head of School Fast facts about French in Canada and around the world · More than 29 per cent of Canadians (nine million people) speak French, either as their mother tongue or as an additional language. · In Quebec, 6.7 million people speak French. · In addition to the one million people whose mother tongue is French, some 1.4 million people outside of Quebec are conversant in the language. Eleven per cent (430,000) of Canada's visible minority population is bilingual. · Thirty-one per cent of the bilingual visible minority population aged 20 to 49 have French as their first official language while 41 per cent have English as their first offiemarkable cial language. rts & Athletics · Canada is one of 75 countries edicated around the world that has French as an official or dominant language. nvolved · There are half a billion people in rips & Travel the world who speak French. nspiring · March 7 to 23, 2008 is "La riginal Semaine nationale de la francophoatural choice nie" in Canada. The same celebration is held around the world in other countries that have French as an official or dominant language. - News Canada Preschool to Grade 8 Dearcroft Montessori Preschool to Grade 8 1167 Lakeshore Rd. E. (905) 844-2114 fax: (905)844-3529 www.dearcroft.com email: dearcroft@primus.ca CCMA Accredited Celebrating 40 Years of T R A D I T I O N DEARCROFT new West Wind Montessori www.westwindms.com September '08 home of West Wind Montessori Home of Expedition Education & MMUN (Montessori Model United Nations) VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE SAT. FEB. 9th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Oakville's Original Montessori School Since 1968... Now accepting registrations for