Marion McVeety School Enlivens Christmas with Music and Literature

The annual Christmas play at Marion McVeety School in Regina has become a vibrant platform for students to explore literature and music while showcasing their creativity. This year’s performance featured a production based on Alice Hemming‘s book, The Snow Thief, highlighting the theme of changing seasons. The collaborative efforts of Chantel Poisson-Fast, the school’s teacher librarian, and Sharon Meredith, the arts education teacher, brought the project to life.

Poisson-Fast explained the innovative approach they take in integrating storytelling with musical elements. “We find a book, and then she finds songs and different instrumentation that works to connect the song with the picture book,” she stated. The students performed three songs, each one resonating with different audience members. “Any time where you’re connecting fun with literacy, that’s a win for me as a teacher librarian for sure,” she added.

Meredith emphasized that the primary goal of these performances is to create an engaging experience for the students that feels more enjoyable than educational. “When we heard the kids speak, they were highly centred on the fact that everything was fun, fun, fun, but they didn’t realize what we’re doing is heavily curriculum based,” she noted. The integration of music not only captivates the students but also enriches their learning experience, covering essential skills such as rhythm and pitch.

Students echoed this sentiment, with Grade 6 student Ellie Jackle expressing her enthusiasm: “I think it’s a lot of fun and also I get to miss out on a lot of classes. I don’t have to do math, and I get to perform, plus music is really fun.” Another student, Meera Virani, articulated the balance of enjoyment and learning, stating, “It was kind of hard at first, but then people got the hang of it and it’s really good now.”

Asma Ahmed, a Grade 5 student, shared her journey through the rehearsals, saying, “We practiced twice a week and got it down perfectly.” The collaborative nature of the performance also creates an inclusive environment for students learning English as an additional language. Poisson-Fast highlighted that music and the arts provide a common ground where all students can participate equally, regardless of their literacy skills.

The school is already looking ahead, having selected the book for their spring concert. Rehearsals for the upcoming performance will commence after the New Year, continuing the tradition of blending education with creativity. Through these productions, Marion McVeety School not only fosters a love for literature and music but also nurtures a supportive community where every student can shine.