Application Process:
- Application Submission
-
- Applicants must submit an online application by the published deadline.
- Application materials include: A reference from a current teacher, signed by the school administrator, highlighting the student’s readiness, musical interest, strengths, and goals.
- Vocal Assessment
-
- Students will participate in a vocal assessment conducted by a third-party adjudicator to evaluate applicants’ performance comfort and provide a benchmark of their singing ability and musical aptitude.
- Selection Criteria
-
- Applications will be reviewed by School & Learning Services Team in collaboration with St. Mary’s administration, with priority consideration given to: Musical merit and potential, as demonstrated in the application package and during the vocal assessment.
- Initial Screening
-
- Applications will be reviewed for completeness and benchmark eligibility.
- Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will proceed to the next stage of the selection process only if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces.
Contingency Selection Process:
Implemented exclusively when eligible applicants exceed program capacity; selection remains merit-based, with randomization used only when necessary to determine placement among equally qualified candidates.
-
- A randomized contingency selection process will be used to determine applicant placement when the number of eligible applicants surpasses the available program space.
- Each applicant will be assigned a unique identifier to ensure impartiality and fairness.
- Students not selected through the contingency selection process will be placed on a numerical waitlist that will remain active for one school year, allowing for possible admission up to and including entry into Grade 6.
- The Choir and Orchestra Program will strive to ensure equitable representation of all genders, supporting full participation not only in choir but also in other extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, social opportunities, and peer connections).
- The LDCSB will continue to uphold equitable selection practices by including a representative from the School & Learning Services Equity Team in the selection process to provide insight and ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency.
Acceptance and Notification:
Families will be notified of application outcomes in a timely manner:
-
- Accepted: Applicant is offered a place in the program.
- Waitlisted: Applicant may be offered a place if one becomes available.
- Not Selected: The student will remain registered at their current elementary school.
Program Withdraw:
Students who are accepted into the St. Mary’s Choir & Orchestra program and subsequently choose to withdraw in Grades 5–8 will be required to return to their designated home elementary school.
Shared Responsibility:
The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) is committed to a fair, transparent, and consistent application and selection process for the St. Mary Choir & Orchestra Program. These guidelines provide a clear framework for all members of the school community.
Students, staff, families, parish teams, and community partners share responsibility for creating a safe, inclusive, and Christ-centred environment that supports each student’s holistic development. These guidelines aim to:
-
- Promote safe, respectful, and positive learning environments
- Ensure all participants are treated with dignity and respect
- Provide a consistent framework aligned with LDCSB policies
- Support students’ academic, spiritual, and social well-being within a Catholic environment rooted in Gospel values
In partnership with families, staff, and community members, the LDCSB ensures that this program and its selection process foster growth in music, academics, faith, and character within a welcoming and inclusive Catholic learning community.
