Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Grade 4B student Kiana Phillips shows her work to her parents, Angie and Peter Phillips, at the Family Day at Immaculate Prep last Thursday. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

"The best thing I loved was that I got to eat pizza and we talked a lot ..." wrote Samantha Smith in her scrapbook on the things she enjoyed about a class field trip to The Gleaner Company in May.

Samantha and her classmates from grade two of Immaculate Conception Preparatory School visited the offices of The Gleaner Company as part of a tour to important landmarks in Kingston. They also got to see first hand how a newspaper office works.

"It was a wonderful experience for the girls," said Tanya Chung, class teacher of grade 2C. "They got to see how a newspaper is printed."

Enthusiasm and excitement

The scrapbooks had a variety of comments; most of the children remembered the blue building, two elevators, and were particularly intrigued by the newsprint and printing press, the information system and, of course, the cafeteria.

The colourful presentations oozed enthusiasm and excitement. Sketches and pictures detailed their perspectives and things they saw and learnt.

"I was very happy," said Sofia Asher, as she turned the pages of her scrapbook, showing the sketch of The Gleaner building. "I spent a fun day and did not have to do any school work," she exclaimed.

The presentations were made at 'Family Night' held on Thursday.

Loving the displays

The prep school was decked out for the event, with each class showcasing the work of its students.

At the entrance, principal Theresa Mendes welcomed the visitors as she proudly pointed to the citation and the Key to the City of Kingston, which was recently presented to the school.

Walls and desks were covered in a hue of colours or told a story. From descriptions of their journey in school, artwork of papier mché to colourful T-shirts printed in tie-dye, the visitors were enthralled by the display.

The institution, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, has 400 students in its preparatory wing.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com

From left, Kikko Misar; Ryan Russell; Zavia Benmohammed; Francis Fatta and Luke Chin put together a crossword puzzle at the Family Day.

Grade 1K student Joniah Jackson shows Errol Jackson her masterpiece at the Family Day