Dear friends of St. Patrick Fine Arts School,
Welcome! Our Kindergarten to Grade 6 school is nestled in the RiverStone subdivision on Lethbridge's growing west side, and is the only dedicated fine arts school in Lethbridge. Through the arts, we live our Catholic faith and bring our students' talents to light as we teach and learn daily through the arts including music, visual art, dance and drama. It is with this approach that we study curricula as required by the Alberta Program of Studies. We know that their exposure to the arts will only strengthen other areas of interest and talent! Each year sees a renewed commitment to the arts and all they offer our community.
In 2023-2024, our largest class size is 26 students, and there are 2 homeroom teachers in almost every grade with the exception of one combined class in 2/3. This sets teachers up for the best in creative collaboration. We offer two full-day Kindergarten programs as well.
We are continuously assessing our technology needs, and we currently utilize iPads, Chromebooks, and numerous classroom computers (including in the art studio and drama workshop); students in gr. 4-6 can bring their own robust devices for learning. Integrating technology to enhance individual and group learning and is a key part of our age-appropriate program design. Students grow in their digital technology skills at every stage, as well. Our Learning Commons is where traditional library elements merge with those of collaboration, research, and creation. The possibilities are very exciting!
All of our students' gifts are worthy of celebration, and students who excel in a wide range of areas have a place at our school. To complement daily instruction, we offer co-curricular club opportunities in a wide range of areas throughout the year. In these, students are able to pursue their arts interests in choral singing, art, drama and dance by participating in any or all of these lunchtime clubs. Choir and dance clubs often perform at our school celebrations and assemblies. Athletic interests for our oldest students are met through grade 6 volleyball, grade 6 basketball, and other physical pursuits through clubs and option classes for gr. 4-6 students.
St. Patrick Fine Arts School is more than 30 years old! Our rich fine arts program is brought to life by our students taking their talents to the greater community. St. Patrick choirs have participated in many city events, including Christmas carols at City Hall, singing with the Lethbridge Symphony, and joining district junior high students whenever possible. Participation in the Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival has been very rewarding. Our Christmas Concert is a wonderfully traditional event at Southminster United Church, and, after a very full year of fine arts activities, our 'Learning Through the Arts' Festival highlights all of the growth we can see so far.
Along with daily religious instruction rooted in Gospel values, our mission as a Catholic school calls for us to reach out to the wider community through classroom social justice projects. We actively support Mission Mexico, the Interfaith Food Bank, Holy Childhood, Development and Peace, as well as other worthy projects partnering with neighbours right here in Lethbridge. This year, Holy Spirit school division has embarked on an ambitious commitment to building a school in Zambia through Chalice, a Catholic outreach charity operating around the world. The liturgical year guides our school celebrations, and we gather often as a school to sing and pray together. All students participate in a lively retreat each year, and many will partake in First Holy Communion and Confirmation sacraments while attending St. Patrick Fine Arts. Learn more about our 3 year faith plan here.
St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School is a growing, vibrant and energetic school with a bright future and proud history of providing a fulfilling and rich arts experience for every student. Our parents agree: "...it is a Christ-centered school that encourages our children to grow spiritually and to learn in a creative and active environment. We love the teachers and staff who share their talents and wonderful skills and experiences with our children."
Our school is fun, amazing things happen every day, and your children are loved and supported to be their best. I welcome your input and feedback at any time and value the opportunity to work with you throughout the year.
God Bless,
Kathy Jones-Husch, Principal
[email protected]