The music department is in full swing. Our Spring Concert on May 1st was wonderful. We are so proud of the junior students for their amazing singing, recorder playing and instrument playing, including our band and string ensembles. They presented a diverse program of music from around the world, including folk songs and jazz. A big thank you to all of the teachers who helped prepare their students for the concert, as well as all of the behind-the-scenes teachers. Well done to everyone involved.
On May 24th, students will be performing at Garden Fete. Students will be given approximate times for their performances. Every student will get a note telling them when to appear at the bandstand for their performance. The times will be approximate, but hopefully will save time so students can enjoy the other events at Garden Fete. Students who need an accompaniment track (either for a dance or for singing) are asked to please bring their music on an MP3 player such as an iPad or iPod. This will make finding the music easier for the bandstand volunteers.
Our final musical presentation will be Song Sung Brown on Wednesday, June 4th at 7 pm. The junior choir, string ensemble and selected Grade 6 ensembles will be performing that evening. We hope to see many parents there!
LIBRARY NEWS
In the next few weeks we will have the pleasure of welcoming the famous Author, David Bouchard. During his presentations, he will discuss the environment and traditions of Canada's Aboriginal people.
Little Red Theatre is coming on May 21st to present the play "The Ugly Duckling/ Le vilain petit canard".
Reminder: All library books need to be returned to the school by Tuesday June 3rd.
Thank you to all the parents and student volunteers that helped during the Book Fair this week. The Book Fair ends on Thursday, May 15 at 11:40 am. A big thanks to all parents and students for purchasing books during this amazing school fundraiser.
Marie-France Gagnon
WORLD CHANGERS
It was a particularly busy month for World Changers! On April 17 we observed a Day of Silence to recognize all the children in this world whose rights have been denied. World Changers presented to the whole school on the importance of having a voice and using it and standing up for children's rights. Brown students did a terrific job of getting pledges and we managed to raise over $3300 through this initiative.
On April 24 our We Day student Talent Show was a huge success with a terrific collection of performances featuring singing, dancing, rapping, Tae kwon do, inspirational speeches and musical interludes. Many thanks to all of the staff who worked hard to pull the show together and to the performers as well. Between our bake sale in early April, plus the We Are Silent pledges and our talent show donations we have managed to raise almost $5500 to put towards the building of a school in Ghana. Congratulations all round!
To add to the excitement on May 6 we welcomed Free The Children's We Create Change tour to Brown School. Several other TDSB schools came to Brown to enjoy an inspirational presentation from Spencer West, Hannah Alper and Neverest. The theme of the presentation was about breaking down and overcoming barriers, and redefining what is possible. Check out http://www.freethechildren.com/get-involved/campaigns/create-change-tour/ for more information. Brown was chosen as a venue for this tour due to all of the hard work the World Changers have done over the year and the incredible support offered by the Brown community. Well done everyone.
As always if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the parent co-chairs, Allison Fortier <allisonfortier@rogers.com> and Laura Finch <laura.finch@me.com>.
