This post is woefully late, but I wanted to tell you about the school's wonderful Black History Assembly on Friday February 19. Most of these notes are from parents Tami and Ginnie.
Ms. Braithwaite was the driving force behind the assembly. We congratulate her for a wonderful show, and thank her for taking the time and effort to educate us all about this important part of our shared history.
The show opened with Funga a la fiya, a rousing welcome song performed by Mme Dungo's grade 2 class and company. The group's voices rang out in song while they entered the assembly hall using all three doors. Mme Dungo's voice is breathtaking - and the kids' voices shined too, as they alternated singing and echoed one another. It was a great way to begin the assembly.
Next was O Canada, performed in French by Mme Fahim's SK class. It was lovely to see their fresh little faces so proudly singing our national anthem. If they were intimidated to perform in front of the whole school, they certainly didn't let it show!
Next was Dr. King Poem, recited by Mrs. Pires' JK/SK class. It was quite impressive to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s central idea distilled into a few simple words: Dr. King had a dream / A wish, a hope, a
plea / That I'd be judged for who I am / A very special me!
Dream Variations was a poem and interpretive movement by Mrs. Hawkins' class, with Ms. Park. It was incredible to see the kids' lively and energetic interpretation of the poem, complete with drums, guitar and other instruments.
Mme Angelevski's grade 3/4 and Ms. Braithwaite's grade 4 classes performed Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, the Black history anthem. It was inspiring to hear them perform this powerful song of hope and freedom.
Next was J'ai un reve, a poem by Mme Angelevski's grade 3/4 class, accompanied by a slide show that helped the students put a name to the many influential and courageous people that have helped to effect change.
Next, Mme Volokhova's grade 1 class recited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a poem that uses simple language to communicate an important message. The audience was struck by how clearly it was performed by such little voices.
I Paradisi was a wonderful song and dance performed by Mme Stempiniak's grade 6 class, with Ms. Park.
The performance of Sogoni Coun by Mme Camara and her grade 3 class was an extremely touching part of the assembly. Mme Camara, who is from an island of the coast of Dakar that was used for the slave trade, presented a sombre video that told of the conditions in which people were kept before being sold into slavery and shipped all over the world. After this video, the students performed an energetic, upbeat dance that had everyone in the audience giggling. It was a moving combination of truth, culture and emotion.
Next was Djan Djan, a performance by the dance team with Ms. Braithwaite. The dance showcased the whole group without crowding; there was a constant flow across the stage and the girls' moves were terrific.
Finally, a group of Folk Dancers, all dressed in Clairlea Spirit Wear, performed One Love with Ms. Cano, Mrs. Pires, Ms. Moledina and Mme Volokhova. It was a good choice of music from their repertoire, and the kids were very well coordinated.
Closing remarks were by Ms. Persaud, who thanked Ms. Brathwaite and all the staff and students for their wonderful performances to celebrate such an important part of our history.
