The instrumental music program at Elora Public School will ring out again after efforts to save it succeeded.
“Elora Public School Council and parents of children attending Elora Public School were delighted to learn on June 19 that the school’s instrumental music program will continue for Grade 7 and 8 students in September,” said Lloyd Phillips, chair of the school’s parent council in an email to the Advertiser.
“The decision was announced after several weeks of community attention which involved a formal recommendation of the school council to the board (Upper Grand District School Board) to continue the instrumental program, a community meeting, calls and e-mails to trustees and the superintendent, a delegation to the May board meeting and a brief student walk out.”
Phillips added, “The Elora dilemma was a result of staffing issues and meeting the requirements of the collective agreement.”
Those issues were eventually resolved to allow the program to continue.
“I was confident that the board and school administration would take the appropriate steps to assure that this program was not lost. Elora prides itself on our arts and the school instrumental music program is an important part,” Phillips said.
“I hope that the instrumental music program will continue for years to come. Instrumental music promotes teamwork, self-confidence and responsibility and these are concepts that build strong students and strong communities. It is such an important part of the public school experience at Elora.”
The council has invited the board trustees to attend the Christmas concert to listen to the instrumental music presented by the students.
“I am happy to say that invitation stands,” Phillips said.
