St. Anthony CES Celebrates Historic First with Inaugural Production of Seussical JR.

May 20, 2026

Students and staff at St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School in Port Hope reached an exciting milestone during the week of May 11–15 as the school presented its inaugural musical production, Seussical JR.

The production brought the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss to life through music, storytelling, and student creativity, while also marking a significant moment in the school’s growing commitment to arts programming. 

Forty-five students in Grades 6 through 8 participated in the production, taking on a variety of roles both on stage and behind the scenes.

Designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core, Seussical JR. provided students with opportunities to contribute in ways that reflected their individual strengths and interests. From acting and singing to technical and production roles, students worked together to create a memorable experience for the school community.

“This experience was about more than just a performance,” said Principal Jason Roberts. “It was about building the confidence and collaborative spirit that our students will carry with them long after the final curtain call.”

The production highlighted the many benefits of arts education, including creativity, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. For students, it was an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, discover new talents, and build lasting memories through a shared experience.

The success of Seussical JR. represents an important first chapter for St. Anthony CES and demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and school spirit. Fittingly, one of Dr. Seuss’ most memorable messages reflected the spirit of the production itself: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Chapman, Mr. Mellon, Ms. Hayman, Ms. Gibson, and the many community volunteers whose time, effort, and support helped bring this vision to life.