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19 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Personal and customized programs put OAA above and beyond Continued from page 18 teacher and the available print resources. Speer adds, "As it typically happens with student-initiated work, the excitement and engagement grows exponentially as children see their ideas appearing concretely before them." This multi-layered project continues to evolve as the students work toward the construction of a largescale rocket to be used as a set piece in a play this class will write and perform collectively. The Oakville Academy for the Arts' Kinder school, comprised of the Preschool, Kindergarten and Afternoon Arts Adventure Programs, incorporate fine arts as a deeply personal and expressive vehicle for selfreflection and creativity. Students partake in ballet, jazz, music and visual arts experiences under the guidance of gifted and experienced artists and educators. "Within the Academy," shares Shannon Remes, Lead Preschool Teacher and Art Specialist, "The arts are not presented in isolation from other curriculum areas. The inter-connectedness of our educational philosophy is reflected in the open and flexible dialogue between faculty members. If a project is being explored in one of the classrooms, we, as a team, find exciting ways to connect it through all program avenues ­ including dance, music and the graphic arts. This kind of collaboration is a cornerstone of the work engaged in by both teaching staff and children." Kim Speer is often asked why the program she oversees is special in contrast to others in the community. Her response is genuine and passionate. "By providing lower teacher-tostudent ratios (1:8 in the Preschool Program and 1:10 in the Kindergarten Program), we are able to personalize and customize learning opportunities for each and every one of our students. Our classes are not comprised of homogenous little people, but independent personalities with their own unique temperaments, learning styles, developmental levels, interests and experiences. Each of our students is perceived and celebrated as being whole, capable and resourceful ­ deserving of the opportunity to co-construct their first school experiences. Our students will carry away with them, hopefully for their entire academic careers and lives, the notion that they are and deserve to be, active partners in learning ­ we think that's pretty special!" If you would like more information about the Academy's dynamic and exciting half-day Preschool and Kindergarten Programs, or would like to register for the 2009/2010 Academic school year, please call the Oakville Academy for the Arts at 905-844-ARTS. The Kinder school teaching staff will be delighted to speak with you or arrange a tour of the Preschool and Kindergarten program spaces. SPIRITED, PROGRESSIVE, INCLUSIVE Dance Oakville · Ballet ·Jazz · Tap · Ladies Tap & Ballet Recreational, Family Oriented Dance School for Girls and Boys, ages 3 & up! MUSIC Learning Centre MONDAY & THURSDAY CLASSES! Register Early To Guarantee A Spot! Contact Kim Belanger for information or registration forms "Tired of the Same Old Same Old?" Try Our Creative Worship Services 9:00am Seeking God In Our Lives Reflective Service 10:30am Spirited Family Service with Children's Programme Dundas Highway & 6th Line 289-313-0576 danceoakville@hotmail.com St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St., Oakville (at Randall & Dunn) Trinity United Church, 1250 McCraney St., Oakville (off Trafalgar/N. of QEW) Registration at Trinity on Monday, Sept.14 5 - 8pm LESSONS Y RL OOD Piano EA DH Vocal L HI Guitar C Drums ORFF Oakville 3 - 8 years Sax Children's Music Theatre Flute Ignite Your Child's Creative Spark! Clarinet Violin 905-257-8434 www.munnsunited.com Irish Dance Lessons with the Jubilee Jump-Up (Sunday School) & Nursery Care GOGGIN-CARROLL SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Recreational or Competitive Programs For Children ages 5 and up Accepting Dancers for our Beginner Fall Programs Classes Starting Now 905-825-8668 © Offering Oakville's only Theatre Arts Program that is dedicated exclusively to Musical Theatre. In September students begin an adventure that guides them through the exciting world of acting, singing, dancing and mime. This leads to a full "Broadway Style" musical showcase in June. Class levels are based on school grade. Level One: JK to Grade 2 Level Two: Grades 3, 4 and 5 Level Three: Grades 6, 7 and 8 This program has been offered in Oakville for fifteen years and is a proven confidence and self esteem building activity that is focused on creativity and teamwork. For More Information, call (905) 844-0333 or email Real Rock Band Workshops for Young Musicians New Sessions & Lessons Start This Month · Weekly Sessions & CD Release Performance · Private Guitar Lessons for ALL Levels Registering Now for Fall Classes! For registration information: Dianne Devaux barb@goggin-carroll.com or visit us on the web at 905-484-7331 www.rocksessions.ca www.ocmt.on.ca A Memorable Theatre Arts Experience www.goggin-carroll.com