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Special Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS

Visual Arts, Computation Thinking, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Religion

Visual Arts

At Holy Nativity School, the philosophy of the art program is to give students exposure to a variety of visual as well as performing arts.  Students develop a love and appreciation of fine art and learn about and create art in a safe, non-judgmental environment.  Art is an open ended, alternative form of expression in a highly academic environment.  The art curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore their own creativity and take risks while being able to make independent choices.  

The art program is twofold:  students are able to experience art as an observer, and as an artist.  Learning about art history from the traditions of different cultures to modern artists and artwork, students learn art appreciation as well as have their own tactile experience of these age appropriate units of study.  Integration between classroom curriculum and different art periods and themes engage students to the close interweaving between art and life.  The process of art and joy of creative exploration are promoted as the primary learning experience beyond any preconceived expectation of the final product.

Performing Arts

Holy Nativity School’s curriculum embraces the arts. Music, song and dance as art forms exalt the human spirit. It enhances the quality of life and brings joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment. It is one of the most powerful, compelling, and glorious manifestations of human culture. Performing arts education welcomes every child. It addresses all learning styles, and integrates the mind, the body, and the spirit. It develops and stimulates the brain and the imagination as well as auditory and communicative skills. A sound performing arts education is processed from the “inside-out” and brings a lasting richness to life and learning.

The performing arts program encourages development of each child’s unique “musical intelligence” as well as their spirit of performance.  Children actively participate by singing, playing instruments, composing, moving, listening, analyzing, expressing, acting, dancing and more. In addition, children in grades 3 through 6 have the opportunity to join the HNS choir and have leadership roles in the school’s two all-school performance traditions: Christmas and Lei Day. 

Physical Education

Physical activity is critical to the development and maintenance of a sound mind and body.  At Holy Nativity School, physical education is a valued part of the curriculum.  Students learn life skills such as cooperation and communication through physical activities.  Adhering to safe practices, rules, and procedures helps students become responsible for their behavior.  P.E. gives students opportunities to develop better health, self-expression, and social interaction.  As students acquire a solid foundation of skills and confidence, they become more likely to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. 

Beginning with the youngest students in Keiki 3’s, Holy Nativity students are exposed to basic movement forms.  As they become more proficient in their individual skills, they learn the importance of working together.  Integration with classroom concepts is taught throughout the grade levels.  As students progress, they learn more sport related skills.  The goal is to become competent in many movement forms and proficient in a few.  By the end of sixth grade, a student should value physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle.

Religion

            Tend my lambs – John 21:16 

The Holy Nativity School religion program is built on the belief that spiritual growth is natural and fundamental: it cannot be forced but can be encouraged; creativity and joyfulness in spirit can be cultivated through invitation and example.  Students are encouraged to explore their family faith traditions and are supported by the model of Episcopal worship as a foundation for, or to contrast with, their own tradition.

Holy Nativity School is an inclusive, respectful community that, as an institution, expresses its spiritual life through Episcopal language and liturgy.  In religion class, children discuss universal themes and values and respond to sacred stories.  Chapel services are times for the school to gather as a community on a regular basis, expose students to liturgy, and allow them to assume community leadership roles.  The program as a whole inculcates the sense that a richness of spirit is one of the gifts of being human.  

 

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