In February and March, École Rocher-du-Nord and École Boréale gave their students the chance to take the stage in front of their community. In both schools, the spotlight was on students who sang, acted, and created, all in French.
La Boîte à Musique at École Rocher-du-Nord
La Boîte à Musique is already in its third year at this St. John’s school. This year, the project reached a milestone. In addition to the traditional performance presented to the school, students performed in the evening for their families.
More than a hundred people made the trip: grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, friends, brothers, and sisters. The theatre was full. This turnout speaks volumes about the importance of these moments for families in the region. “It was a real success in identity building, filled with emotion and pride for both the students and the families,” explains Sophie Gauthier, Identity Building Officer at the CSFP.
Theatre at École Boréale
At École Boréale, a theatre project mobilized students over several weeks. Even before taking the stage, they discovered what goes on behind the scenes: visiting the dressing rooms, exploring the sound and lighting systems, designing the sets, and staging the play. Everything was built step by step, right on the stage of the Arts Centre. On the evening of the performance for the families, the accumulated work was visible and tangible.
More than just a show
One of these projects revolves around music and the other around theatre. They are different, yet they share something essential: they give our Francophone students a space to fully exist, in their language, in front of their community.
In a minority context in Newfoundland and Labrador, this visibility matters. When the entire family comes out to see the student sing and act in French, something very powerful happens. Identity is also built this way, through the eyes of others, in shared pride, and in a packed theatre. Bravo!
School performances: Taking the stage is a way to express yourself
In February and March, École Rocher-du-Nord and École Boréale offered their students the opportunity to perform on stage in front of their communities. At both schools, the spotlight shone on the students who sang, acted, and created, all in French.
Boîte à Musique at École Rocher-du-Nord
The Boîte à Musique project is now in its third year at this St. John’s school. This year, the project reached a new level. In addition to the traditional performance in front of the school, the students performed in the evening for their families.
More than one hundred people came out: grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, brothers, and sisters. The theatre was packed. This turnout speaks volumes about the importance of these events for families in the region. “It was a real success in terms of identity building, filled with emotion and pride for both the students and their families,” explains Sophie Gauthier, Identity Building Officer at the CSFP.
Theatre at École Boréale
At École Boréale, a theatre project engaged students for several weeks. Even before going on stage, they discovered what goes on behind the scenes: visiting the dressing rooms, exploring the sound and lighting systems, designing the sets, and putting on the play. Everything was built step by step, right on the stage of the Arts Centre. On the evening of the performance for their families, the accumulated work was visible and tangible.
More than just a show
One of these projects revolves around music, and the other around theatre. They are quite different, yet they share something essential: they give our Francophone students a space to fully express themselves, in their language, in front of their community.
In a minority context, like in Newfoundland and Labrador, this visibility matters. When the whole family travels to see the student sing and act in French, something very powerful happens. Identity is also built this way, in the eyes of others, in shared pride, and in a packed theatre. Bravo!