No matter how young or old, I always say that we like to give your children opportunity at Wetherby. Over the last year, we have not been able to access the full range of activities and trips we customarily include in our weekly and termly schedules from Nursery to Grade 3. However, we have certainly adapted and provided far more than most schools have been able to in the City since September. This last week has been such a good case in point and since our trip to the Red Door Place on 24th April, the building has blossomed with new learning and experiences. The Family Assembly last week quite literally raised the roof for International Jazz Day and thank you to Alphonso Horne and his team, the concert and following workshops were loved by all children and staff throughout the day. Jake Goldbas was on the drums that morning and we shall be visiting him in the Fall at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens for a tour and visit to this inspiring educational programme and showpiece.
As I write, I watch the Founders’ Hall slowly heading back to its previous heyday, as it has evolved from family jazz venue, to the stage for the Grade 3 Violin ensemble and then the working studio theatre space for our Kindergarten to Grade 3 Musical production – ‘The Three Little Pigs’. I cannot express how impressed I am with the filming of this clever and creative musical. It has been an exceptional team effort and between Desiree Bartels, Hassan Anderson, Alba Navarro Hierro, Chantal Wood, Jane Jessiman and Amy Friend, the true talent and dedication of our faculty has shone through. The fact that we cannot perform this production in a working theatre space at the Brick Church Auditorium has actually provided a golden opportunity for the children to learn new skills and to be part of a unique filming experience, that wouldn’t otherwise be afforded them. The photographs of this theatrical journey speak for themselves and I am enormously grateful to this talented team and your children for taking part with such enthusiasm. I am sure you will agree that the set, costumes, and film set up are impressive and we shall see you all tonight at the Musical Premiere at 6pm on Zoom. You will not be disappointed, and we look forward to hearing your feedback and comments once we return from the long weekend. No school this Friday, as we break for a three-day weekend. Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday and I hope you can spend some quality time together.
We were also delighted to draw our first ever ‘Head of School for the Day’ last Friday and once again, I am pleased to announce that Leo Valaoritis from Kindergarten has won the lucky spot for the day. This will take place on Friday 14th May and we have many fun activities planned that all the school and children can enjoy. We shall also hold the vote for the WPNY School Mascot that day – will your children vote for the Wildcats, Bears, Falcons or Bulldogs? Hold onto your hats everyone, the next five weeks are fun-filled and action- packed! Have a great long weekend and see you back on Monday.
