While many children and their parents are busy with ballet recitals, choir concerts and school plays at this time of year, for many REACH students and their parents, the annual Christmas concert is their time to shine.
REACH's Time to Shine
The REACH School Holiday Concert was held Dec. 17 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in St. Lambert. As always, there was a great turnout and a near-packed house, including parents, Riverside School Board representatives and other community members, for the occasion.
Without more careful research, it wouldn't be possible to say that the REACH holiday or Christmas concert has been presented every year without fail for any particular length of time. It is certain, though, that the tradition has endured many, many years and holds a special place in the hearts of all of the members of the REACH community.
This year's production included songs by all of the classes, with inclusion of various props, musical accompaniments and audience participation. There was also an entertaining Christmas play performed by the older classes. Following the student features, there was also a carol sing-a-long including the audience.
The morning's proceedings began with a singing of O Canada and brief addresses by the school principal and the church reverend. Following the concert, participants were invited back to the school for a potluck lunch contributed to by the parents.
REACH Students Enjoy Seasonal Festivities
As may be well imagined, there are some daunting challenges for any school to present a Christmas concert in this day and age. Issues ranging from what to politically correctly call the event through to rehearsal logistics all create hurdles to the production of a successful concert.
In the case of REACH School, there is the obvious challenge involved in conceiving and adapting all of the aspects of the program for such a diverse community. As a school for intellectually challenged kids, REACH personnel do a lot of thinking outside the box to create an event that all can participate in and enjoy, while still providing the audience and parents with an occasion to remember with pride and fondness for years to come.
Due to the size and sparse population of REACH's huge service area, there are only a small number of students in each age group and ability level. However, the diversity and age range of the school's students do allow for creation of a program that includes humour, song, creativity, fun, sharing, interaction and great memories for all.
Strong Ties in the Community Appreciated
REACH's strong ties within the St. Lambert and south shore community are most appreciated at this time of year. The ability to use the facility offered by St. Andrew's church illustrate once again how REACH has always benefited from the physical assets of the community and the neighbourly warmth and generosity of the people of St. Lambert.
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