CREATIVE WORKSHOP SERIES AT ALLMAN TOWN PRIMARY
On behalf of the staff (and students)
By Cadena Lumsden-Walcott, Teacher
The OaASIS International Foundation Creative Workshop Series began on Wednesday, January13, 2010 with an opening ceremony hosed by our Principal Mrs. Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith. The day was well executed and supported by the students and parents alike. As teachers, we enjoyed the encouraging speeches and performances of the varied local celebrities. The first workshop was extremely beneficial to the older students, as Kamal Hines introduced the GSAT Games to the students. A number of teachers have since expressed an interest in securing these cds to be used in lesson delivery. One lucky student was ecstatic to receive a copy of the games for herself.
OMARO MAZLYN: For the school's library teacher Cadena Lumsden-Walcott (left), collects books (Colour My Thoughts and Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band) by presenters from founder Anthea McGibbon.
On the following day, the students were enthused. They were motivated by the likes of Donald Oliver, Malesia Frazer and Emma Lewis. Ms. Lewis encouraged the students to write, something that we the teachers have been encouraging in our classrooms. When she encouraged the students to write about interesting things they see, and places they visit, she touched our heart. She was ‘right on our page!’
On the day the students were privy to listening to the Shaggy Parrot Story, they were taken to a whole new world where reading is concerned. They found the story extremely exciting. Simply put, they loved it! Their eyes lit up as they sang throughout the story. Already the Grade four teachers have found a way to incorporate the story into their Science lessons. Both teachers and students were heard humming and singing excerpts from the story. I still hear “Do you wanna be in my Reggae Band” in my head. It is so contagious!
On Friday, we were privileged to have Mr. Oscar Derby with us. He did a fantastic job of motivating and encouraging the students. His mantra: hard work and determination and propel them towards being successful, was exactly what many of the students needed to hear. He spent the time to find out the various careers the students were interested in, reminding the students that they can be anything they want to be, they just had to work hard at it. From this, we discovered that Cleshede Williams, a Grade 5 student was a gifted singer. She bravely got up and did a rendition of the song ”Gotta believe in me I, if I have self esteem, I can be anything I wanna be, respect me…” She awed those present, particularly Mr. Peter Lloyd.
Mr. Lloyds presentation was exceptional. He encouraged the students by outlining their worth as kings and queens, being strong and mighty. As teachers, we are grateful for this, as a large number of our students battle with a low self esteem.
The magician has a special place not only in the hearts of our students, but also our parents. The students absolutely adore him. He always pointed out that what he was doing is an illusion, and always emphasized that he does not practice witch craft. What he was doing were tricks he had practiced over the years. My personal favorite was how he had the drinking glasses standing in mid air He forced the students to pay attention to what he was doing. This was an interesting way to hold the students attention, even those with a short attention span. Amazing! He always used the opportunity to encourage the students by telling them that whatsoever the mind can conceive, they can achieve.
The following week found the students equally excited. The first motivational speaker was well received by the students. Mr. Leighton Levy was genuinely excited to be a part of the programme, and he took the time to speak with various staff members about the changes in the school system, making a comparison to when he attended school and now.
Mr. Jerico Hanson, being totally inspired by the responses the students gave when he questioned them, made a contribution to begin a project in our school we are already in discussion as to the project we will do, and have the seed he planted to make our school’s dream a reality flourish.
Mr. Jermaine Gordon presented with all his heart. His catchy phrase of “yes I can do it” made immediate believers of our students. The Bookophilia Store’s owner, Ms Andrea Dempster, spoke to the students about the career options in the area of books. She reiterated the mission of all teachers in the school-to have students reading for enjoyment. This will broaden their horizons and vocabulary.
Ms. Melhani Spence was extra special to us. She assisted the students to leave a memorable impression not only on the lives of those in the project, but on the Central Bank of Jamaica. The painting done by the students was presented to the Bank of Jamaica. What an accomplishment! We are encouraged as a staff, and many teachers have been overheard talking about going to ‘art school’ and ‘trying their hand at painting’ Of a truth, I can say that the OaASIS International Foundations Arts Intervention Project was meaningful not only o the students , but to us as teachers- and I have a certificate to prove it!
Thank you Ms. McGibbon.
Principal’s Report
By Mrs Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith, Principal
My heart is full.. and running over with gratitude to the OaASIS International Foundation. When I made the appeal for more arts in our school, I did not expect anything of this magnitude. The outpouring of time, energy and support was encouraging. Interestingly, the Creative Arts Intervention Series began a day after the major earthquake hit Haiti. The response to assist the Haitians from our Jamaican brothers and sisters was overwhelming; likewise the response to share in our programme. Various motivators and entertainers, our own Jamaican kinsmen and women came out in full support. I am honoured to have Mr. Barrington Watson-live and in living colour attending the function in the capacity of patron. To have Mr. Cordel Green present to endorse the event is a great start to the programme.
The fact that the Founadtion found it apt to honour individuals from the very community in which th school is locted is definitely an encouraging step in the right direction. It brought home the fact that it does not matter the genesis of persons, but rather their vision for movement and nation building that really counted.
The variety of expressions and the exposure for the one hundred and one students who participated are priceless. I cannot thank Ms. Anthea McGibbon and her team enough for the six amazing days we had. My students are more aware of the varied career options available to them in the arts field. My teachers are so inspired to manifest the latent talent, also known as potential that lay within them for so long. The culinary arts displayed by our own Guidance Counsellor and her team was of the highest standard. Teachers are ready to paint, draw, sing, write, and play an instrument….and the list goes on. My students now realize that you do not choose to become and artist because there is nothing else you can do, but rather because it is one of the many things you want to do! It goes to show how far reaching the project was, and by all means the objective of was achieved. So, let me officially announce that all participants in the intervention are now a part of the Allman Town Primary School family…by default. Their citizenship is not optional, it is mandatory! Thanks to all participants for the seed you have planted, the investment you have made in the development of the Allman Town Primary School. May God continue to guide and bless the OaASIS International Foundation, as you move on to your other projects.
SPONSORS:
(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)
READ MORE:
Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series
MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
READ MORE: 
READ MORE: 
Englishman identifies with Jamaicans through reggae songs.