In this file photographs students are shown how to make decorations at a display ceremony at Noel Loyd Park in 2010. Photo: VINO

The week’s celebrations will begin on today Monday November 14, 2011 with a History project that each class in the primary school and every homeroom in secondary school is a participant in.

These classes have each researched a famous Virgin Islander, from past to contemporary times, and have made displays on their classroom doors. This will enable the entire school to share in their learning experience. Many of these displays are nearly life-size cut outs of famous Virgin Islanders accompanied by biographical material.

On Tuesday morning, 15 November, an all-school assembly will feature pre-eminent Tortola Fungi band The Lashing Dogs. The band members are dedicated to keeping the traditional cultural music of the Virgin Islands alive and have served as Official Cultural Ambassadors for the Virgin Islands around the world. They will speak to students about Fungi and how it reflects Virgin Islands history and culture. An exciting performance will follow the discussion.

The Lashing Dogs have been performing Fungi for over 20 years, and have performed in Europe, the United States and all across the Caribbean. "A Fun-Filled Fungi Night" is the group's 6th album. It was recently released and has a little something for everyone.

Other special events that are planned at Cedar include a visit by Dr. Katherine Smith of HLSCC to Grade 3, where she will speak about Virgin Islands’ history with the students. Also included in the week’s celebrations are discussions led by Caribbean History teacher, Dianna Griffin, on the indigenous peoples of the Virgin Islands, and lessons in Fungi music by music teacher Steve Butcher.

Each class in the school will have special lessons to celebrate Virgin Islands history, and the Grade 9 Humanities class will present a one act play whose theme is Real Pirates of the Caribbean: Notable all-African Crews and Ships, written by Luigi Charles and researched by Nia Douglas.

For further information on Cedar International School’s Virgin Islands History Week Celebration, please contact Jaeda.