by Rhonda Massad
Beacon Hill Elementary School students are not unfamiliar with this year’s country-wide celebration of Canada’s 150 years of confederation. They have planted a tulip garden in the shape of the Canadian Flag and are anxiously awaiting spring to show it off to the community. As an appointed community leader of this year’s celebration, I was honored to be included in their latest show of Canada pride, an art show that replicated some of Canada’s great artists.
“Each grade chose a Canadian artist, studied their art and reproduced their version of that artist,” explained Principal Susan Hamblin. “I am very proud of the kids work and very impressed by all the hours that the volunteers put in to make this happen. We are embracing Canada’s 150 with our tulip garden and this show.”
“Grade six students reproduced their version of ceremonial masks like those used in Shamanism,” shared Mr. Robin, grade six French teacher.
Lester B. Pearson School Board Chair, Suanne Stein-Day, MP Francis Scarpaleggia and Beaconsfield City Councillor Pierre Demers were on hand to share the show with the proud teachers and parents.
“It’s always a pleasure to be invited to this gala,” Councillor for the City of Beaconsfield, Pierre Demers expressed. “I cannot help but be impressed, year after year, by the creativity and talent of the students as well as the dedication of the teachers and staff in making it the success that it is. You’ve all outdone yourselves. Well done!”
Beacon Hill Elementary School continues to forge new paths
Mr. Robin is anxious to open the first ever yoga, meditation room at Beacon Hill.
“I have been teaching yoga and meditation in my program twice a day for a long time now,” he said. “In the morning and after lunch for a couple of minutes each time. It can’t be too long at this age. Now we want to transform one room in the school into a yoga mindfulness room.”
“We hope to be the pioneer for this type of sanctuary in Quebec.”
Gabrielle Cloutier, President of the Beacon Hill Home and School, explained that the raffle ticket sales during the art show would go towards this initiative along with other resources geared to keeping the students moving such as stationary bikes and extra equipment.