Madame Petre’s Grade 3 and 4 art classes are anything but ordinary! At Hawthorn School, learning is not confined to a single subject. Instead, each lesson flows naturally into the next, reflecting the interconnectedness of the world around us.

Today’s class was a perfect example of this harmony, as art, music, and French came together in a lively bilingual studio. As the students explored the art of portrait composition, they also expanded their French vocabulary, incorporating words like les yeux (eyes), le nez (nose), la bouche (mouth), and les oreilles (ears) into their creative process.

Adding another layer to this experience, classical music filled the classroom, setting the tone for their artistic expression. Depending on the mood of the day, Madame Petre might select an upbeat Mozart piece to energize the room or a peaceful Bach composition to foster quiet focus. Before each selection, she introduces the composer and provides a short background to the musical piece – so much so that her students can now identify composers simply by hearing the opening notes!

In this dynamic and inspiring environment, the girls brought their self-portraits to life, proving that art, language, and music are truly a perfect match.


