SUBMITTED

There are big improvements coming to the theatre at Perth and District Collegiate Institute. 

The Upper Canada District School Board recently announced that they have allocated more than $100,000 to be invested into threatre upgrades.

“Ensuring students have opportunities to express themselves through the arts is important,” said Carole Dufort, Ward 2 board trustee. “The school has a wonderful theatre that is used by more than just the students at this school, but our local elementary schools and community too. I’m very pleased the theatre will get these upgrades and continue to be the valued resource it has become.”

The project will go to tender shortly and will include upgrading of lighting and sound systems, among other items. The intention is for work to begin over the summer and be complete when students return to school in September 2024. 

“As we continue to focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing and math, we can’t forget that all these components are part of what happens on stages like the one at PDCI. Reading lines, building sets, writing skits to perform – those are all real-world applications of literacy and math skills,” said Ron Ferguson, UCDSB Director of Education. “We are pleased that our trustees have been supportive in funding arts programs, while maintaining a balanced budget. And we thank our MPP John Jordan and the Ministry of Education for continuing to provide the funding to allow us to keep our schools well maintained so we can offer these opportunities.”

Jordan was at PDCI for “Take your MPP to School Week” and experienced the school’s theatre. He said, “It was a pleasure to be back in the PDCI theatre to watch a drama class in action, utilizing their communication and problem-solving skills, while keeping engaged with their peers. The theatre also serves as a community hub for the Town of Perth, bringing in top quality entertainment, while giving the town an economic boost. Our government continues to invest in new schools and improved infrastructure in existing schools across the province to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families and growing communities. Congratulations to PDCI and the Upper Canada District School Board for investing in the theatre for generations to come.”