As you know, learning through the arts helps us to explore, shape, and communicate our sense of identity and understanding of the world. It also provides us with opportunities to develop resilience and adaptability. Our alumnus Nicole Moller ('12) currently in her third year at Ryerson University's highly competitive Performance Acting program expressed that 'IB taught me different ways to learn.' She appreciates how her Performing Arts teacher at Mulgrave taught her to research the role, not to judge the character, but to appreciate the circumstances of it. This taught her empathy. She said, 'Everyone is their own hero and everyone wants to improve their lives. I have learnt to be critical but not judgemental'. She most fondly remembers her role in the theatre production of Cyberlife, a play written specifically for Mulgrave.

She said, 'This was one of my favourite experiences because the students collaborated in the writing of the script. We were part of the entire process.'

We are very excited that Nicole has followed her passion for the Performing Arts. Who knows, next you'll hear that she has an agent in New York or Toronto and she is performing in the musical theatre or drama! Her inspiring message to our students is 'if you are passionate about performing, you are willing to put your time and effort towards research and truly understanding your character, then keep trying to pursue it.'

We wish to extend our warm gratitude to all Mulgrave community members who have made significant contributions to improve our Performing Arts program, and in particular those who have been leading donors to the Performing Arts; The Wang-Zhang Family, The Moller Family, The Su Family and The Shaw Family.

We invite you to come to our offices to talk about Mulgrave's commitment to furthering excellence in education, and learn about some exciting plans for the future.

Laura Walsh, Shellina Lakhdhir, Kim Bai, Karen Teufel

* Photo by Liam Kinahan of Nicole Moller at Clown Show at Ryerson U, October 2016.