CANORA – Even though the outdoor temperature was approaching -30℃ and approximately one third of the school’s students were away due to illness, the annual Canora Junior Elementary School Winter Wonderland Family Festival went ahead with all the fun on Friday, Dec. 12.
“The afternoon brought in warm hearts and festive feels for the friends, families and community members who made their way into a packed standing-room only gymnasium,” said CJES Principal Shawna Stangel.
The crowd was treated to the school's Grade 1-4 choir singing a number of holiday favourites for their friends, family and other guests including: Jingle Bells, Frosty The Snowman, Deck The Halls, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, and We Wish you a Merry Christmas.
“Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Fast for working with and preparing the choir this year,” said Stangel.
All guests were invited to sing along, with the words projected on the wall about the choir.
The choir was accompanied by live musicians and CJES parents, Gillian Rice and Kelly McTavish (who was dressed as Santa Claus).
Mrs. Rice and Mr. McTavish not only accompanied the choir but also treated everyone to a few musical selections of their own as a special concert treat for the guests in attendance: Old Toy Trains, The Little Drummer Boy, and Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.
“CJES is so very thankful to Mrs. Rice and Mr. McTavish for sharing their time and talents with our students in support of our school's annual celebration. “
After the concert, families were invited to spend the rest of the afternoon with their children visiting a variety of festive stations set up throughout the school. Holiday festive family stations included: Book Fair, Just Dance, Ice Fishing for Treat Bags, Colouring, Holiday BINGO, a S"ELF"ie station, Share your Joy, Hot Chocolate, and Crafts.
“Grade 9 students from Canora Composite School were in attendance to help and support running some of the stations throughout the school. The volunteering of time by these students was so appreciated by our staff,” said Stangel.
The School Community Council had purchased all the supplies for the student treat bags and the Hot Chocolate Stations, according to Stangel.
“CJES is so very glad to have such a wonderful and supportive parent group for events like this.
"The Grade 4 SCC Leadership Team had packed and organized the treat bags and created all the station signs to help our guests see where each of the stations were located. We have a wonderful group of Grade 4 students who take their leadership responsibilities within our school very seriously.”
Staff and students had spent many hours and days preparing for this event by decorating the school hallways, doors, and spaces with festive crafts, artwork, interactive family bulletin boards, and garland.
“The school had truly been transformed into a Winter Wonderland.”
Stangel said feedback regarding the event was almost universally supportive.
“There were so many positive comments about the afternoon and lots of excitement from the students, siblings, and families in attendance. The CJES community looks forward to this event every year and we know that it will continue for many years to come!”
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