The well anticipated, annual Early Childhood Parade held on Friday 13th March was a colourful, hugely supported event. It depicted different themes taught – during the school year – such as animals, plants, colours, shapes and numbers. Teachers, students, parents, carers and supporters proudly and excitedly thronged the streets from the court yard at the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium, up St. Mary’s Street, around the Mahogany Tree junction, down Albert Lake’s Drive and back to the Auditorium. The children marched to the energetic, well played music by the Adventist Pathfinder Drum Band. The spectacular display attracted the attention of everyone along the route bringing out people from their business places, to see the children arrayed in all their creative costumes made by the staff and parents of the different pre-schools.
One of the original intentions of the parade was that of displaying the creativity of the pre-school teachers with regard to costumes. While most schools adhered to the rule of using locally made costume, some staff thought that the practice of ordering costumes from overseas, by some schools, negated the creativity aspect of the parade.
In order for the children to be properly showcased, it was suggested by school staff, that parents stand on the sidelines rather than accompany their children in the midst of the parade. It was noted that some progress was made in this area but parents were encouraged to be even more cooperative in the future.
