All roads lead to West End Primary for book fest
West End Primary in Merrydale Road, Lentegeur, is the place to be for this coming weekend’s fourth annual Cape Flats Book Festival.
Principal Clive Arries said the festival, which runs from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday February 1, and 10am to 2.30pm on Sunday February 2, is a highlight on the school’s annual calendar for teachers, pupils and the surrounding community.
“The learners and teachers are looking forward to the Cape Flats Book Festival. It always brings an almost-carnival-like atmosphere to the school and that is why the parents and community members support the festival in numbers.
“Our learners are exposed to different authors, storytelling, poetry reading and through this, we instil a love for reading and writing.
“At our school we believe ‘readers become leaders.’ The festival offers free writing workshops for all attendees, exposing the community to different genres and writing styles.
“The festival also provides an opportunity for our local writers to promote their work.”
Mr Arries said the book festival has inspired some of the school’s pupils to write their own stories.
“Because of the book festival, our learners have over the years written their own stories, which were published in children’s books. One of our Grade 5 learners, Matthew English, has even written his own book – I Miss Daddy.
“We are thrilled to be part of this great endeavour. To us, hosting is not just availing a venue, but being part of something that some might have thought wouldn't be possible.
“Our teachers will be giving free extra reading lessons to learners in the afternoon and the Cape Flats Book Festival helps us to make learners aware of books and create a love for reading.”
Mr Arries said there will be ample secured parking on the school grounds, clean toilets and security to ensure that festival goers have an enjoyable time. The school will also have food on sale.
“All educators, management and support staff have a list of duties so we are all involved. Even our school governing body parents and a group of elderly citizens will help with the sales,” Mr Arries said.
Taryn Lock, co-founder of Read to Rise, said the organisation is delighted to partner with West End Primary School, which also believes in the importance of reading.
“We have been partnering with West End Primary School over the last few years who have kindly offered their school as a venue for the Cape Flats Book Festival. The school has great venues for our author sessions and workshops and provide sound and security.
“The principal Mr Arries will say a few words at the opening ceremony where learners will sing the national anthem and have a karate demonstration later in the day.
“We are grateful to Mr Arries and West End Primary School for partnering with the Cape Flats Book Festival,” Ms Lock said.
Come say hello to the Plainsman and win!
Come and say hello to the Plainsman team at the Cape Flats Book Festival and stand the chance to win one of several book hampers and assorted Plainsman memorabilia.
Apart from covering the festival news, the team will also be selling second-hand books at the festival. All proceeds will go to Read to Rise.
Return overdue library books
City librarians will be at the Cape Flatsl Book Festival this weekend to sign up new members. Festival-goers can also return overdue library books. Look out for the City’s library and information service table.
