CTF Interest Groups - Abstract Art - Session 2

The students on my CTF interest group during the last session after Christmas created abstract paintings or mixed-media collages on canvas board based on a theme of their choice. In the time allotted, students had opportunities to experiment, create and showcase their knowledge and skill in this abstract art style. The students on our CTF interest group created artwork based on a variety of the following options:

The students had an opportunity to create an abstract art painting or collage based on the Cubist style of Modern Art.

       

One style featured a masking-tape technique where paint of a variety of colours was applied on 10” X 14” canvas boards.  This led to interesting effects and colour patterns once the tape was removed. It ultimately enabled the students to create abstract paintings focusing on an assortment of geometric shapes created by the selection of a myriad of colour separated by white or black spaces.

Another style featured students making a mixed-media collage on canvas board based on a theme of their choice. These projects were basically a collage of shapes, images and text (words & phrases) or tissue paper glued to 10” X 14” canvas boards. The selection of the images, cutouts, shapes and colour choice of the background was dependent upon the individual’s personality or preference.

Below are some pictures of some of the students’ work that was created.

"You Are You" Day - February 28, 2018

"You Are You" Day

 

On February 28th, the staff & students of St. Clare celebrated promoted individual awareness through "You Are You" Day activities. All students and staff were encouraged to wear clothes and dress in such a way that expresses who they are (as long as it was appropriate and within school rules).

 

In conjunction with Hymn Sing that day, we had a school assembly where we watched videos and listened to musical selections that were centered on this theme. Throughout the day, teachers across the divisions also did classroom & buddy activities which focused on ideas like buddy reading, art activities, lessons from S4 resources as well as random acts of kindness initiatives. 

 

Some classes read books and stories that supported the overarching idea which was to celebrate and respect the differences we each have.  Some of the books explored were:

-          “Stephanie’s Ponytail”

-          “Tacky the Penguin”

-          “The Best Part of Me”

-          “We are All Wonders”

                     

Teachers of Division 2 classes enjoyed similar stories in addition to art activities, music and videos which explored the theme of self-awareness, respecting individual differences and finding one’s inner strength.

Posted along with this blog is a visual display that has been set-up on the glass showcase windows of "The Studio" which highlight some of the day’s events.

 

Ascension Parish Holy Week & Easter Mass Schedule

Alien Inline Skating Program

Alien Inline Skating Program

From March 1st to the 16th, we had the Alien Inline program at St. Clare.  It has been an annual program that the students and staff look forward to having as part of our Physical Education program every year.  A great part of the appeal of this program has been the opportunity for students to be engaged in a sport that offers a fun and healthy activity for life. If you are looking for a new activity to keep your kids active, Shop Task in Kensington offers the purchase of line skates with a discount for schools participating in Alien Inline Programs. 

Over the years, we have been blessed to have wonderful instructors delivering the program to our students.  This year, we had an excellent instructor by the name of Shaun Unwin.  He created lessons which were well organized in terms of content, delivery and leveling to suit student need and skill level. He was enthusiastic, and his lessons kept the students engaged and eager to try their best. 

Family Skate Nights: March 8 & 15

Our Family Skate nights were held on March 8th and 15th. We were happy and fortunate to be able to offer the flexibility of having two this year for families to participate in!  Both were enjoyable, successful and well-attended by the members of our school community.  As it is very popular with both the students and staff, we look forward to the continued opportunity of having this program back on an annual basis.

6Z Health - Health & Wellness - Positive Steps to Wellbeing

Health and Wellness has been a major unit of focus during the last term in 6Z Health class. Health & Wellness is the general condition of a person in mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to being free from illness, injury or pain - as in “good health”, “healthy” or “wellbeing”. 

The students of 6Z prepared visuals and presentations relating to this area and topic.  The presentations varied from power-point, video, Prezi to a visual (poster project).

Their presentations on the topic reminded us that life is a puzzle . . . Health & wellness dimensions are like separate pieces, that need to be fitted together to make meaning. Though we all seek a balance between the mind, body and spirit, to lead an ideal and fulfilled life, it’s rarely completely attained.

The following are examples of some of the wonderful and creative work that was created by the students.

6Z Religion - "Our Lenten Journey" Project

The season of Lent is a time for spiritual growth and renewal. At this time, we are called to commemorate and reflect on the Lord’s passion through spiritual preparation, conversion, and penance.  During recent weeks in 6Z Religion, the students have been examining content relating to the season of Lent.  Lent is the period in which we prepare for the death and resurrection of our saviour Jesus Christ. 

 

Leading up to their project, the students explored the various symbols of the Lenten season and their significance. The students’ task was to create an illustrative collage or scene which clearly illustrates the meaning of the journey that Catholics travel during the sacred season of Lent.

The following are examples of some of the wonderful and creative work that was created by the students.

5N ART - Keith Haring Inspired Projects

The students in 5N have been continuing to learn about abstract art styles. Their focus shifted to a well-known American abstract artist known as Keith Haring. 

Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990) was an American artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s. His work is characterized by bold colours, simple images, rhythmic lines and symbols and is often connected with the Abstract Art and Pop Art movements. Haring's work was often heavily political and his imagery has become a widely recognized visual language of the 20th century.

After looking at a large sample of his work for inspiration and ideas, the students’ task was to create a cutout paper collage in the style of Keith Haring. In creating their compositions, the students ensured that special consideration must be taken with respect to the choice of colours and selection of shapes used in the collage. The constructed image itself must be the center of interest. It was also required that attention be taken to present the background in an interesting manner.

The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.