Story: Usha Blackham | Photos:Farzana Khan
The turnout was fantastic for the Whiteways Primary School Winter Mela on 15th December. The school opened its doors to over 200 parents, carers and the community.
In the main hall, Year 4, 5 and 6 children read poetry from different cultures about winter; some children wrote their own poetry. Two Year-6 girls sang an inspiring song in Urdu and English and the new reception children also sang. There was freestyle street-dancing from Fir Vale boys; and girls performing Bollywood dance. Whiteways children took part in traditional Arabic dancing in beautiful traditional costumes – girls and boys, they looked really outstanding. Staff and local people did their own Arabic dance and Christmas dance.
The school had lots of stalls and performances organised: refreshments, stalls selling Funky Prints, where people could add their pictures to canvas, and mugs. From Fir Vale School, children sold their key rings, cards, cosmetics and nail manicure. There was pampering for women, Henna, massage, hair threading, children’s face-painting – and popcorn on sale.
£104 was raised for Children In Need by selling soft toys and games – we would like to thank all parents and staff for giving for the good cause. We greatly appreciate seeing families in our events and assemblies and we hope to see more of parents in future.
Mr Muhammed said, “It was fantastic seeing all the performance and especially from the new reception children – they were lovely.”
Michelle Kusiak said, “Again, it’s a good turn out. There was a good variety of dances and great performances. It was nice seeing all the costumes and seeing children enjoying themselves"