Flag Day/Prize Giving Ceremony is a big event on the school’s calendar and for those families new to the school you may be wondering what it’s all about. Cornwall Park District School has a very large collection of flags from around the world that remain an integral part of our celebration.
CPDS first opened its doors on 1 February 1921. The initial roll was 198 pupils and the Headmaster was Mr Birss. The school grew very rapidly and by 1925 the roll had reached 480 and plans were made to add more classrooms and a staff room to the school. It was, Mr Birss, the founding headmaster, who in the early 1930’s, established our collection of world flags.
Mr Birss, who was also Consul for Ecuador, felt that it was important for the children to know more about other countries and approached the representatives of those countries to ask them to donate a flag of their country to the school. This was a time in history, just after World War I, when people around the world had worked very hard to bring about peace between countries. Each week children from the school would hoist a new flag and sing that country’s national anthem. This tradition has evolved over the years to become the Flag Day of today.
All the children participate in Flag Day afternoon and practice their marching in the weeks leading up to the big day. On Flag Day, at 1.30pm our fantastic ‘ Friends and Family’ group provide the children afternoon tea in their classrooms before our ceremony begins. Please note that all the children need to be in school uniform and must have a blue school hat and the correct footwear (black only). Sunscreen will be made available in classes. We also ensure all children have access to water and toilets throughout the event.
At 2.15 pm, the children begin the march in class groups onto the field. The Year 6 children as our leavers for 2019, will have the honour of each carrying a flag from various countries around the world in what is a colourful display.
The official ‘Prize Giving’ Ceremony will begin once the ‘march on’ is completed. After the ceremony is finished all children will return to their class and will need to be collected from their rooms. All families are welcome to bring along a picnic dinner to enjoy on the field.
Please ensure arrangements are in place with your child/ren’s after school care if necessary.
Please note that for security and safety reasons, bicycles or scooters are not allowed on the school grounds at any time on this afternoon. The School Pool will be closed on this day.
Other Important Dates
Last Day of 2019 Friday 13 December 3.00 pm
(the office will be closed at 3.30pm – please collect your child on time)
Getting to Know Your Child Discussions Monday 3 February 8.30-4.30pm
First Day of 2020 Tuesday 4 February 8.55 am
In the case of inclement weather please hold the Save Days above in your diary. We will communicate to the community as early as possible our decision regarding postponement via alert on the school app and a message on the school answer phone by 11.00 am.
We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 3 December at Flag Day.
