School may have been out for summer, but the George Town Primary School (GTPS) PTA has been busy making their 5-year project come to fruition by creating a space for the performing arts students. The PTA and the principal, Ms. Marie Martin, have worked diligently to create opportunities for the children and are appreciative of the instrumental support provided by the private sponsors and the Ministry of Education. The centre is nearly completed; however, there are still funds which need to be raised by the PTA to complete the interior space, such as instruments, seating and A/V equipment. The public is being asked to contribute and help them achieve their goal of having it ready by September 2017.

The president of the PTA, Cheyenna Stewart shared her enthusiasm, “George Town Primary School PTA is excited that after five long years this project is becoming a reality. This is a project that shows the true nature of how the Parent Teacher Association, Community and Government can work together to provide further opportunities to our children in the performing arts. As the PTA President, I am very excited to see that all of our children will have the opportunity to participate in the many programs that we are looking to offer with the availability of this centre. The PTA is continuing to raise the balance needed for the curtains, video system, baby grand piano and other musical instruments as well as the theatre seating.”

There are several published studies that have found students who participate in dance, drama, music, and visual arts showed more positive academic and personal well-being outcomes than students who were not as involved in the arts. Academic outcomes included motivation, homework completion, class participation, enjoyment of school, and educational aspirations; while personal well-being measures considered such factors as self-esteem, life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning or purpose. “I am happy to support the endeavors of GTPS PTA and applaud their willingness and that of the private company sponsors to want to create this centre for the students. It is through partnerships like this one that we can continue to ensure our children are offered opportunities to feel successful and develop God-given talents. We encourage others to support the PTA in their quest of outfitting the performing arts centre and hope they can accomplish their goal for the new year,” Hon. Barbara Conolly, Temporary Minister for Education.

While the GTPS PTA raised funds for various interior costs and equipment and the Ministry of Education funded mechanical upgrades to the building, Davenport Development has been the major private sponsor of this project from inception by covering all of the costs associated with the construction of the centre.  Paul Pearson and Ken Thompson share the reasons they supported the project, “We feel it is important that children be provided spaces where they can be creative and express themselves fully. The arts are not only beautiful to watch, but also can be therapeutic for children that may be experiencing stressors at home. We are happy that several other companies have stepped up and made this project a reality for the benefit of the children.” With their help, other supporters have become been involved, such as COX Lumber, Supermix Concrete, Paul Bodden Heavy Equipment, Merlin Seymour and many others who have been instrumental in getting the project to this point.

The GTPS PTA is asking the public to contact them and help finish the performing arts centre, so it may be used in the new school year.  The items still needed include:

Video Recording System – $3,000

Theatre Curtains – $10,000

Baby Grand Piano and other instruments (drums, music stands etc.) – $10,000

Collapsible Seating System for events – $30,000

For more information on how to sponsor this project, contact George Town Primary School PTA via email at [email protected].