Canterbury Communique January 2015

Canterbury Communiqué A monthly online newsletter for the friends of Canterbury School

January 2015

A Celebration of the Arts

By Niki Carver, Canterbury Fund chair Parent of Sofia ’25 and Olivia ’24

Canterbury School is a wonderful environment for students to study, research and ultimately, realize their full potential. Not only does Canterbury provide an excellent academic program, but it provides students the opportunity to remain active through athletics, as well as showcase their creative and artistic talents through the Arts!

Creativity and self-expression encourage children to learn, discover and grow in self-esteem, as well as seek new perspectives and ideas. At Canterbury, students can embrace their artistic side through photography, drama, visual arts, music, band, choir, computer art, dance and much more.

As we celebrate the Arts this month, it is important that we, as parents, continue to encourage our children in their pursuit of artistic expression. One way to accomplish this is to embrace your own inner artist and attend Family Paint Night on January 27, at 6 p.m. Join teacher Namita Singh in the Upper School art room as she leads adult painters in creating their own version of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Students can participate as well!

The cost to attend is $45 for adults and children are free! All supplies will be provided – easels, canvas, paints and brushes. Light food and beverages for adults and children will be provided, and all of the proceeds go to benefit the Canterbury Fund! So, embrace your inner Van Gogh and join us for a night of family and fun. We hope to see you there!

Canterbury in Pictures

This month’s photo gallery features pictures of student art and the annual Talent Show!

Talent Show 2014

Student Spotlights: Embracing the Arts at Canterbury Maxx Pollack ’15 and Chandler Lane ’15

Maxx Pollack ’15 Entering Canterbury in second grade, Maxx Pollack is a familiar face among students and teachers on campus. Known for his captivating and creative photography, Maxx spends much of his time honing in on a skill that he hopes to carry with him into the future.

“I can remember when I was little, I enjoyed taking photos with a toy camera. It wasn’t until I was older that an older friend of mine, who was very much a mentor to me, gave me a camera. Ever since, I’ve really been interested in photography,” he said.

As a way to encourage fellow students to showcase their artwork, Maxx started the Art Club at Canterbury this year. After visiting an art gallery, he began to think of ways students could show their art and be proud of their creations. “The Art Club is a way to give students the opportunity to show off their work, be proud and have confidence and faith in what they are showing. It is a way to support our students and their artwork, and gives them an opportunity to show the work they want to show.”

When he isn’t taking photos for school-related events, Maxx is furthering his future goals of owning his own photography business one day by building his portfolio. Equipped with his own business card, he spends his time outside of school taking family and senior portraits, as well as sports photography.

While photography will always be a part of Maxx’s life, the additional skills learned at Canterbury are tools he is extremely grateful to receive. “Canterbury has really given me the necessary skills to search for what it is I want to do. There is such a high demand for excellence that you rise to it or you don’t. The teachers are open to give advice and they make you feel incorporated into the community around you. In fact, Mr. Melamet is the mentor/advisor for the Art Club and has really encouraged me to be the best.”

Chandler Lane ’15 Always eager to be heard, Chandler Lane is not one to shy away from the spotlight. Entering Canterbury his freshman year, Chandler immediately began participating in theater productions.

“I’ve always been interested in theater. Ever since the fourth grade, I’ve participated in various productions,” he said.

A talented, charismatic and animated individual, Chandler admits that the one thing he enjoys most about drama and theater is when people watch a play or performance; they want “to hear what you have to say.

The attention is focused on you.

When I’m acting, I get to fully transform into that character.

The arts are such a great form of expression and it gives people a chance to escape.”

Since arriving at Canterbury, Chandler has participated in seven theater and musical productions at the school, including the upcoming spring musical, The Addams Family.

Apart from his performances on the Canterbury stage, he serves as president of the International Thespian Society, which includes 30 students from Canterbury.

The troupe competes at the district level to vie for superior ratings, which will then lead to competitions at the state level. “Florida has the largest state festival with 13 districts participating and 8,000 students,” said Lane.

As he prepares to graduate in May, Chandler admits that he is thinking more realistically in regards to what he will major in at college, saying, “I’ll probably major in communications or broadcast journalism because it’s still putting me in front of the camera, but I’m sure I will minor in theater.”

Why I Teach – Joe Comperchio How have the Arts impacted your life?

I grew up in Southern Michigan, a factory town that consisted of one movie theatre and one drive-in movie. That was all we had for “the arts.” Needless to say, it wasn’t easy to find like-minded artistic types in a town that revolved around the Friday Night Lights for the local high school sports teams.

However, I survived, and I managed to make my way north to Ann Arbor and places where the arts had a pulse.

My life has been impacted by the arts on a practical level through acting in college and going on to publish several plays, but it has been impacted on a more spiritual level as well. Art has played a significant role throughout my life transitions. I feel that looking at my life journey through artistic lenses has helped me appreciate what really matters. There is a quote on the back wall of my classroom that reads: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. The arts have given me the sensibility to take risks, to get out of the rut and to keep life fresh.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?

As cliché as it sounds, I do feel that teaching is an art and profession that is unlike any other. The rewards of teaching, and there are many, are reaped in the awareness that teachers have of knowing that they passed on the best of themselves.

I know that who I am as a teacher is completely the result of the art teachers I had growing up. I never imagined myself doing anything other than “teaching.” As a drama teacher, I like the creative rapport that I develop with my students. I thrive on the synergy that happens in an arts classroom where the mentor/mentee relationship is a mutual journey of discovering old and new truths about art. I am energized by the connections that take place in a drama classroom, between the actors and artists, and between them and me. It’s not easy to explain, but it is life-giving.

Tell us about your teaching background?

I have taught at every age level from Pre-K through college. I have taught drama, visual arts and humanities in private schools. Most of my time spent teaching has been in the Boston area.

Why Canterbury?

I am in my third year as a Canterbury teacher. I vividly remember my visit and interview in late May 2012 when I met with many Canterbury teachers and students. What struck me most was the seriousness and dedication I felt among the students and their commitment to continuing a strong drama program. I was certain that I had found a school where students had the unique blend of both “lightheartedness” and “serious dedication to their education.” I liked the size of the school and felt that Canterbury would be a place where strong connections with students and teachers could be forged.

I was not wrong.

What excites you most about the students at Canterbury?

I am most inspired by my students’ commitment. Our thespian program is strong because my thespians are dedicated to the hard work and commitment involved. My students have a wonderful sense of humor and that is so important to me.

What do you hope students take from participating in the Arts program at Canterbury?

As a relatively “new guy on the block” at Canterbury, I have only seen two classes graduate. I hope that every student I teach, whether in Drama or Speech, takes away a desire to continue exploring their creative side. Even if they don’t make the arts a career choice, I hope it remains a heart-choice; a way of living.

What do you like to do outside of the classroom?

I love to cook. I love to cook for people. In my dreams, I own a three-star restaurant! I wish I dreamed it was a four-star, but even my dreams don’t overreach!

Upcoming Events Family Paint Night – January 27 Embrace your inner Van Gogh and join us for Family Paint Night! The cost to attend is $45 for adults and free for children! Join teacher Namita Singh in the Upper School art room as she leads adult painters in creating their own version of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Students can participate as well! All supplies will be provided – easels, canvas, paints and brushes. Light food and beverages for adults and children will be provided, and all of the proceeds go to benefit the Canterbury Fund!

When: Tuesday, January 27 at 6 p.m.

Where: Upper School Art Room Admission Open House – February 5 Invite your friends and neighbors to get to know Canterbury at our Admissions Open House. RSVP to the Admission Office at (239) 415-8945 or online at www.canterburyfortmyers.org.

When: Thursday, February 5 at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Lower School Main Office Marathon – February 6 Join us for a fun-filled day at Harper Field as Canterbury celebrates its 31st Annual Marathon! This is our commitment to service and community. The 100 percent tax-deductible dollars you donate will benefit: Autism Speaks, Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida, and the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. The schedule for the day is as follows: • 9:45 a.m. – Pre-K3 Mini Marathon at the Kindergarten Playground • 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. – LS/IS at Harper Field • 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. – MS/US at Harper Field When: Friday, February 6 Where: Harper Field 2nd Annual Dads’ Club Sheepshead Fishing Tournament – February 7 & 8 Join the Canterbury School Dads’ Club for our 2nd Annual Sheepshead Fishing Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, 2015. The entry fee is $10 per adult and $5 per student. The tournament schedule is: • Friday, February 6 (6 p.m.) – Captains Meeting in Hanno Dining Hall • Saturday, February 7 (7 a.m.) – Lines in the water – find your favorite spot!

• Sunday, February 8 (4 p.m.) – Weigh-in, awards and food in Canterbury Upper School Parking Lot To register, visit www.canterburyfortmyers.org/SheepsheadTournament. Registration closes at noon on Friday, February 6.)

For questions, please contact Brian Lucas (bdlucas@live.com), Richard Stensrud (rstensrud61@ comcast.net ) or the Canterbury Development Office 239-481- 4313 x213.

Winter Break – NO SCHOOL – February 16-20 In recognition of Winter Break, there will be no school the week of February 16-20. We would like to wish everyone a safe and break, and we will see you February 23!

Winter Sports Recognition Night – February 25 Join us as we honor our extraordinary Canterbury athletes at this special event!

When: Wednesday, February 25 from 7-9 p.m.

Where: Performing Arts Center (PAC)

Why I Give to the Canterbury Fund A devoted parent and gifted photographer, Felicity Rafalski and her family are rooted in their commitment to Canterbury School. Whether it is in academics, academics or the arts, she and her family are grateful for the opportunities presented to Canterbury students. Here’s why: As parents of three Canterbury students – Danny ’15, Evan ’19 and Matthew ’22 – we recognize the significant impact the Canterbury Fund has on the lives of the students and the faculty who teach here.

The Canterbury Fund is a crucial revenue source for the continuation of the strong Canterbury tradition of excellence. Our sons are blessed with rich experiences in academics, the arts and athletics, and are supported by a gifted faculty, which is second to none. We are honored to be able to share in the future of Canterbury with our contribution, and hope you will choose to support our students and faculty as well.

Want to make a difference in your child’s education? You can with a donation to the Canterbury Fund!

Every gift turns possibilities into realities, so donate to the Canterbury Fund today!

Did You Know?

In celebration of Canterbury’s 50th anniversary, each month, Canterbury Communiqué will feature a “Did you Know?” section, providing an interesting, historical fact about the school.

Did you Know? In 1993, Canterbury’s Performing Arts Center was completed. Since then, excited and captivated audiences have enjoyed numerous plays, performances and showcases. The Performing Arts Center is named after Frank L. Romano, former Canterbury Headmaster (1987-1993).

Stay Connected As students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, we know it is important for you to stay connected to Canterbury. From class projects to sporting events, to science experiments and theater plays, our students are always on the move and you want to know about it! Whether you “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Canterbury news, contests, events and much more!