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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-12-22, Page 33THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011. PAGE 33. Ken Scott remembers that school Christmas concerts didn’t change much in North Huron during his time as an educator. Scott, who retired in 1996 after working at Brussels, East Wawanosh, Blyth and Hullett Central Public Schools for over 30 years, said that while changes happened, they more happened up to and after the Christmas concert and not to the concert itself. “It stayed pretty much the same throughout my time, the only thing that I can remember changing is that the day after the concert we usuallywould have the whole school singChristmas carols, rent a 16 mmDisney movie and play it on aprojector,” he said. “I remember having to change the big reels and tape up the film while I was in Brussels, but by the time I got to East Wawanosh, most schools had VCRs and tapes.” Scott said that each class would put on their own play with the Kindergarten and primary classes focusing a lot on recitations with the older students focusing on skits. “The spring concerts were usually the bigger productions that featured plays and musicals,” he said. “The Christmas concert was more about the music and the individual contributions of each class.” He said that, if there were any changes over the years, it was the effort and final product becoming better each year. “We tried to improve every year, and maybe the sets got more elaborate, but the basic style stayed the same,” he said. “We didn’t buy too many Christmas scripts and we used a lot of old booklets with skits and songs in them that had been around for years.” He said that every once in a while there would be something unique like using a projector to make a shadow play on a sheet, but beyond that it stuck to the same method. “In 32 years the curriculum changed a lot but the Christmas concerts remained pretty much the same,” he said. He said that he remembers that regardless of who was involved, there was always energy in the school prior to the show. “There was always a great excitment in the school leading up to the concert,” he said. “Props and costumes were being made or found from where they were stored and the parents were so involved.” He said that each class would practise on their own and that made scheduling time in the gym a little diffuclt but it was worth it when the dress rehearsal and plays were put on.“The gymnasium was always filled to capacity,” he said. “We Continued from page 21 do their own play or do the nativity scene and that the rest of the school would do one of the pre-packaged Christmas concerts. It changed the format of the play as well. “During that time the show really changed from a concert to a play,” she said. “The narrator became much more important.” In 2008 Cronin retired, but she has continued to help by playing piano and practising with the members of the plays. This year’s concert was a unique one and one that impressed her. “This year’s concert was a whole nativity scene for the entire school,” she said. “It was impressive and nice. It was a peaceful, quiet way for the school to celebrate its last Christmas.” She said the traditional music and costumes were very well done. “This year’s [concert] was a real mixture of new and old,” she said. “It follows the biblical passages from the Book of Luke and follows the stories of King Herrod, the wise men and Joseph and Mary,” she said. “There are very few speaking parts aside from the two narrators and it involves every child.” Cronin has a long history of working with local schools and their Christmas concerts. While she has been working at Blyth’s concert for 25 years, she has been a teacher for more than 40 years and has been involved in plays for 38 years. She worked in Brussels from 1975 to 1986, at Hullett Central Public School from 1974 to 1975 and, just prior to taking a break to raise her children, taught in Lucknow from 1968 to 1970. Long-time area teacher reflects Hold it up high Wrapped presents were on display on Dec. 13 at Hullett Central Public School’s annual Christmas concert. Kaleb Johnston, left, and Delsie Rego did their best to hold up their presents so people in the back of the auditorium could see them. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Retired teacher remembers one-room school shows May you and your loved ones enjoy the many blessings this special time of year brings. We thank you for your patronage and look forward to serving you in the new year. Season’s Greetings from AUBURN CO-OP & BELGRAVE CO-OP Auburn 519-526-7262 A division of Huron Bay Co-operative Belgrave 519-357-2711 With greetings and gratitude from all of us to all of you at this joyous time of year. It’s been a pleasure serving you, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. If You Love Christmas! HO...HO...HOnk Chamney Auto Repair Sales & Service 38897 Blyth Rd., R.R. #1, Auburn 519-526-7283 or 519-440-7800 Proprietor ~ Eldon Chamney BLUE HORIZON POOLS Landscape Design & Installation Swimming Pools & Spas Chemical Supplies 519-524-9804 2 miles E. of Goderich on Hwy. 8 OPEN: MON-FRI 9-6 & SAT 9-3 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas! With glad tidings to you and yours at this joyous time of year. We value your business and thank you for all the goodwill you’ve shown us. There is no time more fitting to say “Thank You” and to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and All the Best in the New Year! Doug & Jodie Ruston 37117 Blyth Road, Goderich 519-524-9878 Season’s Greetings By Denny Scott The Citizen Continued on page 43