Grade 3 French learns the “Djembe” with Fana Soro, an internationally acclaimed African musician from the Ivory Coast. Click for more photos!
Just before the Winter Break, the Grade 3’s had the privilege to learn some African drumming from Fana Soro, an internationally acclaimed musician from the Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Ever since the Grade 3’s studied a French play that takes place in Africa, they’ve jumped in to the amazing world of African culture – especially West Africa as most of the countries there are French-speaking.
The workshop conducted by Fana Soro was in both French and English. The girls had many questions for Fana about his life on the Ivory Coast, including such gems as “do you have an elephant?”
Part of the French program is to learn about French-speaking countries around the world. This workshop allowed the girls to use French to communicate with someone from another country. They also learned how to play the “djembe” (African drum), and dance and sing along with the music. Great fun for a Monday morning!
Our Grade 6’s participated in a project with Beauty Night. Here’s what Caroline MacGillivray, Founder of Beauty Night, had to say:
Yorkies present a cheque to Beauty Night. They raised the funds from the sale of friendship bracelets at the Holiday Market.
We met our wonderful friends from York House School while the Grade 6 class were volunteering to decorate and fill Holiday Stockings for women who use the services offered by Beauty Night. Caroline MacGillivray came to speak to the two classes about Beauty Night Society and the work we do. The girls wanted to help – and help they did. Josie S., Cici W., Katelyn T., Rosie S., and Catarina K. created friendship bracelets and sold them at the York House Holiday Market in December. They raised $218 for our cause. On December, 18th they came to our 12 year anniversary holiday party to bring the cheque, share some delicious tiger bark with our ladies and paint nails. We are delighted that many of them will be attending our next volunteer orientation on January 8th, 2013 at 6pm at DownTown EastSide Women’s Centre (302 Columbia) to officially join Team Beauty Night!
This year YHS participated again in supporting Vancouver Family Services with their Holiday Hampers Programs for Families Affected by Violence. Grades 4 – 7 students brought in generous donations of toys, clothing and gift cards for families who are less fortunate at holiday times. Our families’ kindness was demonstrated again this year as the hampers were overflowing with thoughtful donations! A huge thanks to those families who supported this very worthy cause and helped to give a wonderful Christmas to those in need.
The Holiday Hampers program and the “spirit of giving” was on full display at our Jr. Candlelight Assembly. See more here.
