The official opening of the 2021 Book Week at Sacred Heart Primary School.
SABA--The 2021 Book Week, an annual event organized by Queen Wilhelmina Library, was officially opened at Sacred Heart Primary School (SHS) on Monday morning, May 24, in the presence of pupils and invited guests.
This year’s theme is “The readers of today are the healthy minds of tomorrow,” created by grade-two pupil Laila Hassell. This year’s Book Week design was made by form-five student at Saba Comprehensive School (SCS) Stephanie Hassell.
Both students were recognized for their talents and received a prize from Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, who also performed the official opening of the 2021 Book Week.
Form-5 student at Saba Comprehensive School Stephanie Hassell (second right), who designed the 2021 Book Week logo, receives her prize from Island Governor Jonathan Johnson (right), with from left, head librarian Joanna Simmons and winner of this year’s Book Week theme Laila Hassell.
The Book Week Best Library Class trophy went to grade K2-B of teacher Antionette Granger.
Head librarian Joanna Simmons mentioned the importance of reading in her speech. “Everyone is trying to be health conscious by eating healthy, walking and exercising. The more you read, the more your mind will retain what you are reading, and the more knowledge you will receive.”
To parents, she said, “Your child should grow up with books all around, and you reading to them. Books are the best gift you can give your child, certainly better than a TV or a cell phone.”
Simmons especially thanked Rosa Johnson for assisting with securing the financial support from the Public Entity Saba for the Book Week programme. She thanked Satel NV for donating the 2021 Book Week T-shirts and ICS for printing the shirts.
Monday’s opening event started with singing of the Saba “anthem” and the SHS school song, followed by two performances by grade-two pupils. The event closed off with the presentation of birthday cards to pupils and teachers whose birthdays were this month, the presentation of a card of recognition to several pupils of the week, and a closing prayer.
The Book Week includes activities for all primary school classes at Queen Wilhelmina Library Monday through Thursday, with the assistance of two nurses of Saba Health Care Foundation (SHC). The fun and educational activities focus on health. The first two groups of children that took part in the activities on Monday loved the ride in the ambulance.
On Friday, there will be a walk-a-thon from the school in St. John’s to Queen Wilhelmina Park in The Bottom.
