Music

Notre Dame School incorporates the key components of music education: listening, creating, performing and movement, in addition to studying historical and cultural context. Students in grade TK – 5 receive instruction two times per week, and Jr High students have the opportunity to participate during Elective time. Elementary and Jr High students have additional opportunities to participate in our school choirs. The program is designed to develop a foundation in musical expression so that each student is motivated to pursue a deeper musical study. Small ensemble opportunities including guitar, string, recorder, hand bell and vocal groups are available on a regular basis. Students frequently play instruments at weekly mass. Guest music teachers and performers are invited occasionally to share their musical skills or teach about music.

Art

Fine arts and formalized art instruction have always been a part of Notre Dame School. The art curriculum evolves as students’ progress in grade level to cover many different artists as well as the various periods of art, such as Baroque, Classical, Impressionist and Contemporary. Students create art projects using portraits, landscape paintings, perspective drawing, realistic, impressionistic and abstract. Media used includes pencils, markers, soft pastels, oil pastels, conte’ crayons, and charcoal. Students also learn to use watercolor and tempera paints and sculpt with air-dry clay. Two pieces of each students art work are displayed on the walls of the gym at our annual Fine Arts night. That’s over 400 unique creations on display!

Technology

A comprehensive technology program greatly enhances student learning at Notre Dame. Through use of a computer lab, technology lessons are incorporated into classroom curriculum and special projects. Students have mastered the majority of the computer competencies for the High School Exit Exam by their graduation from Notre Dame School.

Physical Education

Our motto: You’re not fully educated until you are physically educated!

Beginning in Transitional Kindergarten, students develop motor skills and physical fitness concepts that foster lifelong healthy lifestyles. Physical activities are undertaken in a caring, supportive atmosphere. Standards-based teaching and positive motivation help all students enjoy physical education at Notre Dame School.

Highlights include:

• Curriculum of physical education games, cooperative games, lead up activities and sports-related games that include basketball, football, soccer, hockey, dance, lacrosse, Frisbee and more.

• A strong emphasis placed on responsible personal and social behavior while engaged in physical activity.

• Partnership programs with Chico State Kinesiology Department

• Sports electives for Junior High