Performing Arts
Since founding their first school in Messina in 1548, Jesuit schools have always been known for their Fine and Performing Arts Program. It has always been a belief of the Jesuits that it was important to educate the whole person and as a result a vibrant visual and performing arts program is evident in most Jesuit schools. St. Paul's High School has a variety of Arts programs:
Music
The St. Paul's Music Program endeavours to assist each student to develop their God given musical ability to His greater glory in an environment that is both encouraging and challenging. The program endeavours to develop an appreciation, understanding and love of music in each student that will continue beyond St. Paul's. The program is performance focused and seeks to develop each student's technical, musical and ensemble skills as well as their theoretical and historical knowledge of music.
The St. Paul's Music Program is inclusive in that it welcomes both students with and without prior musical experience. Currently the focus of the St. Paul's Music Program is instrumental however with the advent of the Chorale Club in 2006-07 the program is moving towards high school accredited choral classes and the addition of a second music teacher.
The instrumental program is structured so that by grade 12 both streams of students with and without prior musical experience have come together in one class. The instrumental program is comprised of five concert bands and two jazz ensembles. In grades 9, 10 and 11 there are two concert band options for students based on their prior experience and ability as they progress through the program. The program also offers a Jazz option for selected students.
Drama
The St. Paul's Dramatic Society has been producing plays since the 1930's. Since that time St. Paul's students have attempted to interpret the works of Shakespeare, Moliere, Neil Simon and others. All of these productions strive to build on the tradition of excellence that was inspired by Fr. J.J. Murray.
One of the main goals of the productions is to include as many students as possible so that more can appreciate this medium. Most productions involve from 50-100 students in all aspects of the play. From actors to stage crew, from Drama Band to Art production each play is a beehive of student activity.
Currently the Dramatic Society produces two productions each school year with one taking place in the fall and another in the spring. The fall offering has traditionally been a full length play whereas the spring production is usually a dinner theatre.
Choral Music
Recently the school introduced Choral Music. At present this group meets at lunch hour and prepares songs that they perform at various school functions. This seems to be a popular extra-curricular activity as there are over 50 boys signed up
The Choral Club a new addition to the St. Paul's Arts Program. This is a co-curricular program that seeks to develop the vocal skills and abilities of our students. Students learn a variety of repertoire that is presented at both liturgical and non-liturgical events on campus throughout the school year.