Grouard Northland School Comes Alive With Art And Drama

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward A, Edmonton Public School Trustee Candidate, #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July Ist, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

What a great success story that Grouard Northland School is now. The "Trickster In Residence" (Andrew Oberhofer) getting the kids act out real live plays & historical events, as well as real time events is cagey & thought provoking. Telling the kids II shout out in a play IV Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of Canada when she is literally on Canadian soil in Ottawa shows that the kids are being taught about respect.

The kids in the different classes then wind up all working in tandem together & learning II bond more as each one of their class plays is highlighted & integrated together. Set construction, themes and ideas are all put together by the kids with the help of the artisans. So the kids then learn about Language Arts, History, Drama & respect IV one and all, all wrapped up in a big ball of enthusiasm. They also learn to be respectful of themselves & their aboriginal culture, as well as gaining more confidence. A definite success story.

Happy Canada Day David II You & The Hancock Clan,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Sarah O'Donnell, Trickster Theatre: Artist/Trickster In Residence Program.