By John Dinner, Coordinator, Foundation Years

It is always an exciting time in Foundation Years (who doesn't want to be 12 and 13 again??), but January takes on a different flavour each year as we turn our attention to our annual performance production. This year's performance is another Artfolk play, a one-act wonder, "We Open Tomorrow Night?!", a hilarious exploration of the nerves and process that go into putting on a show! The play takes you behind the scenes as the players get ready to put on the annual RLC Talent Show. Directed by Ms. Burney, Mr. Dinner and Mr. Salt (who has also composed an original song for the production - what a talent!! Is there anything he can't do??), the Foundation Years students have already been hard at work, diving into their roles and their characters to put on a show to be proud of. And it should come as no surprise for anyone who knows these young people, they have brought their energy, grace, and positivity to support and lift one another that their teachers and the RLC community are already so proud of them.

Family and friends of RLC are invited to join us for an evening performance on Tuesday, February 11 in the Rowntree Academic Centre. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the performance will begin at 6:30 pm, concluding shortly after 7:00 pm.

If you would like to attend this evening performance, please reach out to Mr. Dinner at john.dinner@rosseaulakecollege.com. Seating is limited and priority seating has been reserved for the families of our performers, but there should be plenty of space for anyone who would like to join. Some students will have the opportunity to take in the show Thursday morning before wrapping up for the Family Day Long Weekend.

The Foundation Years play has become an annual tradition here at Rosseau Lake College for a whole variety of reasons, and not just because it's a lot of fun and break from the regular routine of classroom learning - although if you ask our students, not much is "regular" about our outstanding Foundation Years program. This work on the play in particular though strengthens the many skills necessary in our ever changing world. Collaborating on a play builds those 21st century competencies that many experts have highlighted as necessary to pursue success and satisfaction in the years to come. Over and above the obvious skills needed to step on stage in front of a group of people, working together on a common goal, and developing stronger communication skills, dedicating time to a production such as this helps build confidence, empathy, and problem solving skills, while developing a greater sense of self which is the ultimate goal of the Foundation Years program - eager, confident young people ready and excited to navigate the tricky world beyond our classroom and head into high school knowing they can't possibly know it all, but they are ready for whatever lays ahead.

So whether you are a parent or alumni that has had one of your kids already go through this process in the years previous, or you're just looking for a fun excuse to come on out and visit our exceptional campus, we invite you to see our future world changers do what they do best - have fun together!

‍

‍