The kids at St. Williams perform “All You Need Is Love” by the Beetles during the arts and literacy fair, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, Philadelphia, Pa. Throughout the evening, every class at St. Williams performed different Beetles songs. (Maria Pouchnikova)
The pupils at St. William Elementary School in Lawndale last week turned their art and literacy fair into a “Magical Mystery Tour” in the parish hall.
Much of the work that the young people created this school year was on display on tables and walls, and the kindergarten through eighth-grade pupils entertained their parents and others by performing a collection of Beatles songs.
As the words in the song Magical Mystery Tour say, the children explained to their moms and dads that they were “coming to take you away” from the hustle and bustle of 2011 back to the 1960s, a decade filled with diversity, conflict, hope and change in fashions, automobiles, dance crazes and music.
The youngsters wore tie-dyed T-shirts and necklaces, glasses and headbands adorned with peace signs. They sang, danced and played make-believe guitars onstage.
The featured selections included Hello, Goodbye; I Want to Hold Your Hand; Octopus’ Garden; Love Me Do; Yellow Submarine; All You Need is Love; Twist and Shout and Here Comes the Sun.
The eighth-graders offered a medley of Beatles songs, accompanied by a slide show of classroom activities.
The kindergartners closed the night with an encore performance, singing All Together Now.
The 1960s experience was created by the faculty to spread the love that the children have for one another and the school.
Besides families, the guest list included the Rev. Joseph Watson, the parish pastor, and Sister Catherine Clark, the school principal.
