As I shared with everyone at Grandfriends Day yesterday, we are thrilled about the growth in our STEM program this year - the excitement among our students is palpable. What makes Riverstone so vital is that at the same time I can comment and praise our arts program.

As you know, we are committed to a strong arts program throughout your child's time at Riverstone. We do not look at these subjects as electives taught by volunteers; they are core classes taught by specialists at every grade level. The wonderful Winter Concert was just one of many examples; not only a lovely performance but also an academic exercise that highlighted what our students have learned throughout the semester.

Last night I saw the High School Theatre Arts production of "The Bad Seed" and it was fantastic. The ensemble worked hard and supported each other throughout the semester. They all learned about staging, sound, and creating and working around a set - they did it all. While our drama teacher oversaw the performance, a student directed it. For those students in the Diploma Programme, they will be asked to reflect on what went right and what other decisions they may have made.

Throughout our hallways, you see examples of our students art and we invite you to come in the spring to see the capstone achievement of our art program, the "Senior Art Show." In this case as well, students have had to approach their art as a true academic discipline. They must not only present and explain their body of work to parents and peers, but also to international evaluators. Additionally, our Spring Arts Show celebrates our music and art program on a school-wide basis.