The Arts play a crucial role in fostering a child's imagination and later on exploring their creative side. Research has shown that the arts develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance. From Grade 7 to Grade 12, students are encouraged to learn music, drama, dance and the culinary arts through both our curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
Our staff are passionate about helping students discover and fine-tune their gifts. Whether it's acting in our school play or musical, performing in our various concerts throughout the year, or rocking out on stage at the vocal show, we're there to help guide your child.
Music
At St. Thomas Aquinas we recognize the importance of children growing up with music education. Research has shown that music has a huge impact on a child's development in a variety of ways including language and overall IQ. Music requires a child to focus on multiple things at once and tap into multiple skill sets often simultaneously. That's why we continue to offer a rich music curriculum right up to graduation. We also have many musical extra-curricular activities that students can sign up for.
We are well known in the community for having a strong and vibrant music department. Lead by highly skilled and passionate teachers Mr. Ura and Mr. Harty, students have the option of taking a number of music courses. There are also multiple bands and choirs students can join. In addition, the school hosts various musical performances throughout the year including Streetfest and the Vocal Show.
The Symphonic Winds and Percussion Ensemble was honoured in 2018 by receiving a Silver Award in the Concert Band Division at the 46th Annual MusicFest Canada Nationals. At the exclusive, "invitation only" event, the St. Thomas Aquinas band competed with 35 of the best bands from all over Canada.
Visual and Media Arts
St. Thomas Aquinas has a diverse Visual Arts program offering courses for beginners all the way up to those students who will be pursuing the Arts at a post-secondary institution. Students explore painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and clay in most introductory visual art courses. In media arts, students create art using the latest technology and software. Senior students can delve deeper into techniques, medium and subject matter with specific courses including Ceramics, Murals, Media/ Animation, Film/ Video and Aboriginal Art. Courses are offered at varied levels including Open, College and University to meet student needs and interests.
Each year, students from STAHS participate in the large-scale, papier-mâché sculpture installation for the foyer to depict the Catholic Education theme for the year. Students from Grades 9 -12 each play an integral role in the creation of the installation logging more than 60 hours to complete the display each year.
Drama Productions
Every other spring St. Thomas Aquinas High School puts on a production for the school community and the public. Auditions are typically held before Christmas and rehearsals begin shortly after the holiday break.
Recent productions include: The Butler Did It, Arsenic and Old Lace, and High School Musical. Most recently, in collaboration with the Music Department St. Thomas Aquinas high School students performed in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.
