Media Releases

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Good Things Are Happening
PARKVIEW SCHOOL IS EDMONTON'S OWN 'SCHOOL OF ROCK'

Parkview School students have written and released a musical CD titled "The Gift of Giving. From Edmonton to Guatemala". On Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m. the school will unveil the compilation at a concert and CD release party. The concert will include songs from the CD and a theatre production.

Led by Parkview School music teacher Elaine Wat, the children, ages five through 12, composed five songs that were all professionally recorded by the children. The songs describe the hardships faced by Guatemalan children of the same age, and the difference Parkview School students can make in those children's lives. "We had so much fun learning to write songs and understanding the recording process. We couldn't wait for music class!" says one Grade 6 student.

Elaine Wat visited Guatemala with a volunteer medical team in the summer of 2008. The experience changed her life and her approach to teaching. "With Impact Ministries, we set up four clinic rooms in schools to give children free medical care and non-prescription drugs. Many of the children are illiterate so we were creative in our advice, including drawing pictures to describe dosage information (moon for night, sun for day). Guatemala is one of the top four most malnutritioned countries in the world. Most of the children do not attend schools because there are none, or they are very run down."

Impact Ministries builds elementary schools in Guatemala, with seven built to date. All students receive a free daily meal, new shoes and a sweater every Christmas. CDs will be available at the concert for a minimum $10 donation with all proceeds going to Impact Ministries.

Media are invited to attend the dress rehearsal at 1:30 p.m.

For further information, contact:
Elaine Wat, Teacher
Parkview School
14313 - 92 Avenue,
780.483.3415