After weeks of preparation, the Sports Hall was turned into a huge international banquet with everything from Brazilian brigadeiro to Mexican tortillas, Malaysian roti to Australian meat pies… all prepared and shared by our amazing Community Group volunteers, led by Susan Jensen and Selena Bertolotti. The national stalls were elaborately decorated and all the mums and dads got into the spirit of the day decked out in national costumes and colours.
Starting with the Early Years, students had the chance throughout the day to sample foods from around the world, with eyes wide at the amazing array on offer. Plates were piled high with exotic delicacies, and home comfort foods, and students were also entertained while they ate in the dojo. Performances included a very energetic and crowd-pleasing Sogo Dance from some of our brightly dressed Korean mums, a wonderful and exotic Punjabi dance performed by students in beautiful saris, Chinese Pipa and Baguazhang dances, and even taiji!
Following the feasting, Chinese drumming from Year 6B heralded the start of this year’s much-anticipated Parade of Nations. Early Years began the parade under a United Nations of Early Years banner with their own mini parade, and then the nations emerged, one by one, starting with Argentina, to make their circuit and display their national pride. There was much good-natured cheering and flag waving and, as Venezuela completed their circuit, the whole school community of students, teachers and parents, led by Mr Seaton and the IB Choir and Year 9 students, sang “Let It Be”.
It has been a day to remember, and a wonderful celebration of our BISS Pudong United Nations.