Students and teachers performing the Christmas Story. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience.

Several of the Christmas classics, as well as, the VI’s own songs made the Christmas programme more interesting.

The students treated Premier Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith and Minster for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn, who were among the attendees, to a multicultural Christmas programme as they focused on the way the festive season was observed in the past.

A hilarious re-enactment of how baby Jesus was born proved the students’ acting abilities in Christmas Story.

Furthermore, a scene of Christmas in the Virgin Islands (VI) saw the students reciting a poem, “A Coconut Tart”.

Backed by a fungi band, the students belted out songs such as “Ho Ho Ho”, “How will Santa Get here”, “Mama bake your Johnny cake” and “Good morning I come for meh guavaberry” which were well received by the audience.

According to Mrs. Huggins, the students began practising since October and she was pleased to see the strong performances. “This is our aim to make them feel at ease in front of everyone.”

The programme wrapped up with the students and teachers singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas”.

The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which opened its doors in 1972, has since served as a school for students with a range of physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

At the centre, students receive individualized care and are involved in a range of activities such as sailability, vocational/skill programmes, physical education, speech therapy among others.