How does one encapsulate a tremendous project that saw Wonderbolt Circus in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut? Planning began with an invitation from Beni Malone and Ruth Lawrence more than a year ago. After a host of emails and phone calls; we were very excited to realize that our vision was a reality.

Beni and Ruth arrived in Rigolet on January 9th, 2016 and immediately immersed themselves in our community and our school.  I felt as if they were always a part of our team.  For five days, Beni and Ruth worked with all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 on various aspects of circus activities.  It was fascinating to watch students learn the art of juggling, the use of the diablo, the use of stilts. Etc.   The recognition of “I can do this” was fantastic. Students who normally were shy and reserved were now taking a lead role in the class.  In a word, they were empowered.

Before leaving at the end of the first week, plans were confirmed to return for the second week’s session in April to enhance and build on the skills that students had learned and practiced. All of this would then culminate in a Circus show with our students as the main participants.  And what a show it was.  Students were juggling, using diablos, using stilts, riding a unicycle, doing somersaults, etc.

This project was certainly exciting! It was very rewarding and a whole lot of fun. As the school administrator I took an active role in watching our students learn new skills, work together and simply enjoy having professional artists in our school.  The equipment and tools that our students used were user friendly and they took to it like a “duck to water.”

It was truly a great project that was brilliantly managed by both Beni Malone and Ruth Lawrence. These two individuals are nothing short of fabulous.   During their first week with us, they also spent extra time with our High School Drama team in their preparation for the Regional High School Drama Festival.

Suffice it to say, it was a fantastic project! One in which we hope to build on.

 

Submitted by Tom Mugford – Principal, Northern Lights Academy