Manitoba's school boards have one purpose: to provide our students with the best schools possible.
School boards manage class size and staff levels to ensure all students have the supports they need to achieve.
Strengths and talents are naturally present in all students, and can be nurtured. Skills and abilities, when recognized, nurtured, and supported, can provide the foundation for creative, productive behaviour. Talent is more than just aptitude; it also includes preferences, interests, motivation, work ethic, supportive environments and challenging opportunities. These are the principles and beliefs that led to the establishment of ARTSPEAK, an integrated arts credit program offered by The Sunrise School Division.
ARTSPEAK provides an alternate setting to the classroom for students who are talented in the arts. Through ARTSPEAK, students spend four days and nights in a camp setting, being mentored by professional artists. Because the students are selected on the basis of arts talent, the program brings together high academic achievers, students at risk, and students of unique strength for a common purpose in an environment of tolerance and respect that leads to the establishment of lasting and meaningful relationships.
The program began in 2001 as a one-time arts experience for talented students. It has now evolved into five, four-day sessions each year, on topics such as "Freedom" or "Explorations in Space" that integrate visual art, storytelling, writing, music, mime, movement and dance. The program is supported through a designated school board budget allocation.
For more information on the ARTSPEAK Program in The Sunrise School Division, contact ARTSPEAK teacher Anthony Steffes at 204.667-0529, or via e-mail at asdvmail@mts.net.