ARTS CURRICULUM:
We’re investing in the arts, and it’s not just for show. We want to put an
instrument in every young man’s hands, and inspire undiscovered passion
for design, photography, cartooning, architecture, and more. The arts are
not only a confidence builder for a young man, but art can strengthen every
facet of a Xaverian education. Participation in the arts bolsters academic
performance and can help students grow socially and emotionally, think
more critically, and be more innovative and collaborative. Art helps to build
a wide range of higher-order thinking skills, the skills required for effective
leadership. At Xaverian, every student participates in arts education as they
learn that an appreciation for the arts is an important component of being
strong young men. But we know that an introduction isn’t enough...we want
to give our students ample opportunities to explore all aspects of the arts as
they strive to maximize their unique potential.
The work has already begun. We have launched new courses in the fine
and performing arts and celebrated the founding of our first-ever Pep
Band. This spring brought the inauguration of a new instrumental music
program, pairing Xaverian students with some of the top musicians teaching
in the Boston area; and next year, the grade 8 instrument program kicks
off, providing every student with the opportunity to try his hand at an
instrument. Support of the Strengthening Minds, Empowering Creativity
initiative helps cover the costs associated with these contemporary programs,
as well as the necessary equipment.
CREATIVITY LAB:
Whether it’s called a creativity lab, a makerspace, or an
innovation room, one thing is for sure; Xaverian aims
to provide an inspiring location on campus that is filled
with the best technology to benefit students of all ages.
Augmented Reality, 3D printers, green screens, and
robotics, the options are endless as a cohort of teachers
representing a variety of disciplines work together with
Xaverian’s Principal, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, to uncover best
practices and imagine the possibilities for this new space
on campus.
Their goal? To create a space where all Xaverian students
can test their imagination and their skill. Whether it’s
touring the chambers of the heart in virtual reality
or building instruments with laser cutters and 3D
printers, this space will be a resource for all grades and
its applications will span across the curriculum. It’s
time to give our students the tools to think outside the
box, so they can get hands-on, real-world experience
with equipment they’ll likely encounter in future
careers. Funds raised through the Strengthening Minds,
Empowering Creativity initiative will be used to make the
possibilities into a reality.
The young men of
Xaverian are showing
us new talents every
day. We have to provide
the opportunities
to match them. They
are the artists of
tomorrow. That’s why
we must constantly ask
ourselves, what more
can we do for them
today?
Julianne O’Connor, Fine Arts
Teacher and Theater Director
Summer 2019 Xaverian Magazine 3