Video: East End Primary Hold Virtual Parade
[Written by Vejay Steede]
Students and staff at East End Primary [EEP] took a stand against the general malaise that has engulfed our country since the Covid19 containment measures came into effect in mid-March.
Their joyous protest came in the form of a video produced by a committee of teachers from video clips and pictures provided by members of the EEP family. The video compiled solicited contributions from individuals who wanted to participate in a virtual Bermuda Day Parade; that’s right … East End Primary had a Half Marathon and Parade to celebrate Bermuda Day, 2020!
The project, which was put together by a committee comprised of P.E. Teacher Ms. Sarah Robinson, Music Teacher Mr. Leroy Francis, Visual Arts Teacher Ms. Gail Palacio, and Educational Therapist Mr. Vejay Steede, was presented in a special Zoom Assembly on Wednesday morning. The Assembly was attended by special guests Mr. Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education, Mrs. Renee Ming, JP, MP for Constituency 1, and Dr. Shangri-La Durham-Thompson, Education Officer for the Arts, parents, students, and EEP faculty.
EEP Principal Ms. Julie Foggo opened the Assembly by promising the online audience a wonderful surprise before handing the proceedings off to the Parade Project Committee.
After a few words from Committee Representative Mr. Francis, the video was shown and several jaws dropped to the floor in awe. The quality and spirit of the project were universally praised, with Minister Rabain saying, “Well done Principal Foggo, her team, students and parents. Thank you for the invite. Most excellent idea and glad to see EEP do their best to continue the tradition of Bermuda Day.”
MP Ming gleefully called East End Primary the best primary school in the universe, while EO for the Arts Durham Thompson heaped special praise on the role played by the Music and Visual Arts Teachers in putting the delightful production together. Indeed Mr. Francis deserves extra praise as he logged hours and hours in front of his computer editing the film and thereby making the effort tangible.
The overriding theme of the production was perseverance, and a dogged refusal to let calamity destroy our spirit. The phrase “Bermuda Strong” is repeated throughout the parade commentary and the message that nothing will ever dismantle our culture emanates from every frame of the video. It is a timely message and one that reminds us who we are and what we’ve already endured as a people. Bermuda Strong, now and forever.
The powerful presentation was brought to a close by an original prayer which was written to commemorate the occasion and recited by Visual Arts Teacher Ms. Palacio.
Prayer for Our East End Primary School Remote Bermuda Day Parade, by Gail Santucci-Palacio, Visual Arts Teacher
To The Almighty, maker of the land, sea and sky,
We give thanks for every awakened eye.
Thank you that we are able to come together this way
To celebrate, although remotely, our Bermuda Day.
As we laugh and cheer for the sights we see,
May we give thanks to our little ones and their creativity.
We give thanks to the ancestors and their guiding light.
May what we do and see today be pleasing in God’s sight.
Thank you to all who made this, who had the patience.
You deserve a big hug and standing ovation.
With social distance, a hug cannot be.
So remotely we give thanks and a smile you can see.
As we continue to enjoy this beautiful day God has made,
May we carry the joy and laughter of the East End Primary Bermuda Day Parade!
- Amen
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Well done E.E.P.