Bahrija school's tribute to the countryside

"We are the children of the most beautiful countryside in Malta".

These are the opening words of the school anthem at Patri Tumas Xerri Primary, Bahrija.

The theme of this year's Prize Day centred around the countryside which the pupils are proud of, cherish and look after with great care. Year 2 to Year 5 pupils presented poems and songs; while Year 6 pupils presented a play related to this theme.

The play was written by a former pupil, Marisa Micallef, when she was still in Year 6. Ms Micallef included some criticism of those who do not appreciate our countryside and are guilty of shameful acts of vandalism. However, she also included some local humour which went down well with the audience.

Mr M. Borg, the Year 6 teacher, with the permission of Ms Micallef, adapted this play for his pupils, who presented it.

The school also prepared an exhibition which complemented the theme and which was much admired by both guests and parents.

In her speech, Mrs A. Bartolo, head of school, said that during this scholastic year, special emphasis was made on one of the crucial principles laid down in the National Minimum Curriculum - that is, to recognise the importance of differentiation in the teaching/learning process.

All classes at Bahrija Primary are of the mixed-ability type and as such, this principle is a very real one which the school has included in its development plan for this year.

Mrs Bartolo ended by congratulating Ms Marilyn Sciortino, new Assistant Director for Operations, on her appointment, and invited her to distribute the prizes.