St Patrick School offers a handful of extra curricular activities to various age groups such as season programs and an instrumental band program.
Seasonal Programs
Developing the fine arts is an essential part of the curriculum. Students at each level are given the opportunity to express themselves with singing, acting and art work. Opportunities include but are not limited to: para liturgies, mass, holiday presentations, Christmas program, H.S.A. presentations, Field Day and School Dances.
Contests
Throughout the school year the students are encouraged to enter various contests offered by local organizations and schools in the city and state. These include spelling bee, science fair, computer, essay, and safety poster contests. awards will be presented in church following our weekly student liturgy. Most recently, Lindy Spear won the Canonsburg Hospital Thanksgiving Essay contest. Lindy won a Savings Bond.
Altar Servers
Boys and girls beginning in grade three may choose to be altar servers with the permission of their parent or guardian. The parent is asked to support their child by transporting him/her on assigned service days. The students are trained by the pastor or his appointed helper. If a student cannot attend her/his assigned time, he/she must call another student to take his/her place. All students are encouraged to substitute willingly when asked.
Instrumental Band
An instrumental teacher is available to school students. The schedule is determined by the number of students taking lessons. The teacher is provided on private contractual basis between the parents and the music teacher. There is a total yearly fee that can be paid in monthly or bi-monthly installments at the beginning pf the payment period.
After achieving a level of proficiency, the instructor can recommend your child to audition for the Diocesan Honors Band. The administration fee enables your child to participate in the Diocesan functions. Students also have the use of band music provided by the Program for use at concerts in their school.
There is typically a Winter and a Spring band concert. The current band instructor is Mark Burroughs.
Field Trips
The students get to take field trips at various times throughout the year. The field trips are always purposeful and grade specific. Below are some of the 2009 field trips:
*The Third and Fourth Grade visited Meadowcroft Village in Avella, PA on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. The unit of study was completed in conjunction with the unit on Pennsylvania History. The children visited and experienced the life of a student in the early 1900’s by visiting a one room school house.
*The students in grades 5-8 visited the Carnegie Science Center on Friday, November 6, 2009. The theme of this year’s visit was “The Great Lake Regions.” The students learned about the Great Lakes during the time of the Glacier Age to present day. The students viewed the ecology of the Great Lakes at the IMAX theatre. The presentation also touched upon the future of the Great Lakes in regards to the pollution and how it affects the ecology of the Great Lake Region. The students learned about electricity and the differences of direct and alternating currents and the effects of static electricity. The children also toured the Robotics display.
*The students in Grades 1 – 8 attended the American Indian Pow Wow at Heritage Park in McDonald, PA on Friday, September 18, 2009. The day was filled with many activities where the children learned the traditions and life styles of the early American Indians. This program complements the multicultural curriculum at St. Patrick School.
*St. Patrick School observed National Fire Prevention Week from October 5 -9, 2009. The first grade visited the Canonsburg Fire Station on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 as part of the educational program provided by the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department. The firemen conducted a fire evacuation drill on Monday. Mr. George Coleman, Canonsburg Fire Chief, held assemblies for the students in Grades K-3 on fire safety.
Drama Club
Drama Club is offered to boys/girls in grades 4-8. The drama club meets after school on Wednesdays. On December 18, 2009 the Drama Club presented the Night Before Christmas to the school and their families.
Student Council
Student Council elections are held each fall. Children in grades 3-8 are permitted to run for these officer seats. Anyone can run with the signature of a parent or guardian, the principal and 4 other students. Each class elects one officer. Mrs. Zinn runs the Student Council program. The officers assist in school programs and fundraisings.
2009 Student Council Officers: Julia Dennis, Allie Liberatore, Soren Strnisa, Allie Schmidt, Mark Dugan, Isabella Liquori, Ben Lochran, Sarah Drain, Sierra Strnisa, Lisa Hornak, Mary Rose Lusardi
