2003 St. Elizabeth CHS, RAP Program, part 2

     This is a continuation to part 1 written in October 2018.  The Regional Arts Program (RAP) started with music arts courses in September of 2003:  Music Instrumental, Vocal Music, Dance, Visual Arts and Dramatic Arts.  It was our first year, and we offered courses at the grade 9 level only.  My timetable included all instrumental music courses.  I do not recall getting an extra period off to complete administrative work.  In the 1980’s when I began my career in teaching with this school board, Department Heads would get an additional period off;  I do not recall if it was one semester or for both semesters.  In addition, I do not recall when changes were made to this schedule.  Back then, Department Heads were respected for their leadership and value to the department and to the school.  At Father Bressani, I was only a minor-head.  I remember meeting with James prior to starting at St. Elizabeth.  He was helpful in offering tips to getting me ready and familiar with the new role.  I knew some teachers on staff:  Nancy F., Anne C, Matt, Peter C, VP Anthony M; and, felt at least I could have a conversation with some people I knew.  I was nervous and really a bit unfamiliar with how important a position I was in.  There were many teachers at the school that were a bit challenging to get to know because they resented the direction that St. Elizabeth was taking;  that is, becoming an arts focus school.  The arts was getting too much attention, and money was also flowing towards establishing this new program and making sure it was going to succeed.  So, many staff members were uncomfortable with this decision.  One thing that still exists today, is that many believed that St. Elizabeth is an arts school.  There is a difference between an arts school and an arts-focus school.  Attending arts-subject meetings was also uncomfortable for me because many of my colleagues believed that St. Elizabeth was getting everything and other arts programs offered in other schools were not getting needed support.
     This first year, the nine RAP instrumental music students were combined with a grade 11 Comprehensive instrumental music class, in first semester.  The rationale for this?  Everyone was convinced that RAP students would be better skilled.  Most of the nine students were beginning to play music band instrument for the first time in September!  Most of the students who auditioned for RAP instrumental music played piano or guitar or drums.  This continued for years to come.  One of our questions at the audition would be to ask the student what band instrument do you want to explore - if you get accepted into the RAP program?
     The other areas of the arts showed stronger numbers, except dramatic arts.  Visual arts always would have the strongest number of applicants.  Next would be Dance, then Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dramatic arts would be around the same number of applicants / interest in the  program, to audition.
     I remember the importance that was placed on me further developing the relationship with St.Michael Catholic Academy in Thornhill, an elementary Regional Arts Program.  Surely, it seemed logical to many at the school board that students would want to select St. Elizabeth to continue their passion in the arts-learning.  This did not happen.  We would get an occasional couple of students, but not many.  Most of the students would attend St. Roberts CHS.  Others, who were really serious about music would be encouraged to audition at Unionville High School.
     Transportation?