NOTE: This information IS ACCURATE FOR 2013/14. The application package has the most accurate and detailed information. It will be posted on Nov 6 just after the Open House.

We offer a package of specialized courses to artistically talented students interested in Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Arts. In addition to the arts program, students study required and optional academic courses to earn their secondary school diploma. An audition to determine the appropriateness of this program for each student is held in January for admission the following September. A student chooses only one of the four arts in which to audition: Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Arts.

Admissions decisions are based on the candidate's talent in his/her chosen art, potential, overall school performance and the student's ability to benefit fully from the program.

A yearly upgrade charge is required to cover "Artist in the Classroom"  in-house concerts and performances, workshops, master classes, group clinics, private tutorial by professional artists, exhibitions, accompanists for Dance and Music classes, and many more. Other material or field trip fees might apply for some courses.

Expectations

Continued enrolment in the Cawthra Park Regional Arts Program is based on students demonstrating the appropriate attitude, academic achievement and artistic skills to ensure success in our enriched arts curriculum. The progress of Regional Arts students is reviewed following each reporting period.

During these reviews, the following are considered:

• academic progress in all courses;
• attendance;
• continued interest in the Regional Arts Program;
• contribution to class and the co-curricular program;
• attitude conducive to positive learning
• behaviour.

Students of concern are identified by the above criteria, or by a mark of less than 65% in their Regional Arts Program (RAP) area. Identification will initiate a review process. Each case is treated individually and recommendations are made in the best interests of the student and the program. If the decision is made for the student to withdraw from the Regional Arts Program at Cawthra Park, the student would register at his or her home school for the following year.

Parents will receive notification following any review.

Parent Support

Parent involvement in the education of their children contributes greatly to the success students achieve at secondary school. We have enjoyed a rich history of parent participation at Cawthra Park over the past several years. In fact, the Cawthra Park Parents' Association was the first organized parent group at the secondary level in The Peel District School Board. It began as an advocacy group to bring the concerns of parents regarding the future of the Regional Arts Program to the attention of the trustees at the Peel Board. Since that time, parents have contributed not only to arts advocacy but also to issues involving school policy, safety, fundraising, special events and community liaison.

Cawthra Park staff and students continue to work together with parents on the School Council, The Friends of Cawthra Park Fundraising Committee and other committees under the umbrella organization called The Cawthra Community Circle. We believe that this name captures the essence of our relationship with our students and their parents. It is our intention to continue to invite parents to work with us in creative and meaningful ways to advance educational experiences for Cawthra Park students.