Artwork depicting a large tree spreads its branches in the main hallway at Fred C. Cook Public School in Bradford, a work created by a Muslim group back in September, to promote Islamic Heritage Month and multiculturalism.
Its leaves carry messages of inclusion and kindness.
This week, the tree “sheltered” the donations brought in for the school’s Christmas food drive for the Helping Hand Food Bank – an expression of kindness, community, and sharing.
Fred C. Cook students have been bringing in donations for the local food bank all week, and were especially encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items, a donation of Socks for Seniors, or gently-used winterwear for Coats for Kids, at the school’s Winter Concert on Wednesday night.
The concert, “On with the Snow,” was a musical celebration of winter – and the gym was packed with parents, grandparents and siblings who came out to hear the performances by primary students.
There were also photos with Santa in the library, crafts, and milk and cookies following the concert, in a special event that brought the school community together – not only to celebrate the season, but to demonstrate kindness, and the motto: ‘Caring is sharing.’
“As a school staff and in partnership with school council we wanted to bring our community together to celebrate the holiday season,” noted Principal Kulbir Dhaliwal. “The event was a huge success attended by a number of families, and a great way for me to connect with the community as a new principal at the school.”
With the donations of food, socks and winter coats piling up in the hall, Dhaliwal added, “The school has a tradition of giving back to the community, and the public makes use of the donations to the food bank. We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our community through future school events.”
