The children had been watching and listening to the construction in our old gym for the past year. On December 2nd, the lights were dimmed, the decorations were installed and a feeling of trepidation was in the air. The Children’s House 2/3 students walked quietly down the stairs and into a magical space. Their eyes darted from the ceiling to the floor, from the chairs to the snowflakes. They were entering a very new and special space for Lauremont School and appeared excited to be a part of history in the making. The Performing Arts Centre (PAC) will be a place where we will welcome families to watch their children sing and dance; listen to guest speakers; host artists and assemblies.

For the first time EVER, all 120 Children’s House students came together on one stage to perform. This was possible with the creation of our new PAC and the vision of Mrs. Alana Colombo.

Mrs. Colombo’s experience as a Musical Theatre teacher and the Artistic Director of the Children’s Theatre Project Summer Program is invaluable as we initiate this important addition to our children’s learning. She has a passion for music, dance and drama.

We believe that the arts play a vital role in a student’s education and are thrilled to enhance the Arts Pillar for our young students at Lauremont School. In October, our CH2/3 students began having drama lessons each cycle and in December they made the PAC come alive with their Winter Celebration.

On the morning of December 5th, the Children’s House 1, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary siblings filed into the PAC to watch the dress rehearsal. For the audience, it was their first experience in the PAC and they were impressed. 

The Elementary students enjoyed the comfy seats and cheered on the younger students as they entered the venue. I think most were envisaging when they would have an opportunity to perform in this beautiful space. Our CH1 students watched quietly and dreamed of the day they would take the stage.

On the afternoon of December 5th parents lined up in the Atrium before 1:00 PM. They also appeared in awe as they entered the newly created PAC. Everyone received a program, found a special seat and awaited the entrance of their children. The parents cheered and waved to their children, not realizing that the children had difficulty seeing them due the special lighting. 

With much enthusiasm, our students completed the production with a variety of speeches, songs, videos and dances. In a very short amount of time the four and five year olds memorized words, lyrics and choreography in preparation for this special day. We are so proud of what they accomplished in a short amount of time. We can hardly wait to see what will be next!

That evening, homes were abuzz with families praising children for their performances, watching videos and social media and re-living the excitement of the day! Needless to say, we all slept well after a very busy and monumental day!