St. James Catholic School
F.X. O'Reilly Catholic School
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
Graduated 1994
Educator and musician Chris Rait composed Catholic Education Week theme songs used across Ontario while building a career in arts education and musical theatre.
Music, faith, and education have always shaped Chris Rait’s path.
The son of longtime Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board educators, Chris grew up surrounded by Catholic education and a love of music. A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, he carried both of those influences into his adult life and career.
Music remains central to his work and his faith. In 2020, Chris composed the Catholic Education Week theme song Hope. Four years later, he wrote We Are Made for Love, the 2024 Catholic Education Week theme song. This year, his composition, Path of Holiness has once again been selected. All of these pieces were shared across Ontario Catholic school boards, bringing students and educators together to celebrate Catholic education.Chris is also an accomplished songwriter, playwright, and performer. A member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada, he has co-written musical comedies and composed original music for the stage, including Tip of the Iceberg, which opened Theatre Orangeville’s 2024 season.
Despite a busy creative career, Chris remains closely connected to his faith community. At St. James Parish, he continues to serve in music ministry alongside his father, helping lead the congregation in prayer through song.
Chris lives in Port Dover and serves as Curriculum Arts Consultant with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, where he supports arts education and helps students discover the creative gifts they bring to the classroom.