International Fair
On Sunday 10 December, NAISAK celebrated International Day. From early morning, there was a tangible buzz throughout the campus as national groups prepared to show their country at its best. There is certainly a competitive spirit amongst us! Our courtyard was awash with various stalls, there were 21 in total, each representing one country. The area was wonderfully ablaze with national colours, symbols, cuisines and traditions.
On Sunday 10 December, NAISAK celebrated International Day. From early morning, there was a tangible buzz throughout the campus as national groups prepared to show their country at its best. There is certainly a competitive spirit amongst us! Our courtyard was awash with various stalls, there were 21 in total, each representing one country. The area was wonderfully ablaze with national colours, symbols, cuisines and traditions.
A whole-school parade got the day off to a wonderful start. Students from Foundation, Primary and Secondary schools made a moving sea of colours, flags and dress. Each of NAISAK’s 34 countries was represented. Mr Jones then invited a student or teacher from each country to greet the whole school in their native tongue. When we see one another every day in school uniform, we appear very similar, but this was truly a celebration of unity amongst diverse cultures. Best of all: everyone cheered for everyone!
A group of Year 10 students volunteered to interview International Day participants and spectators. People were asked about their favourite countries, food, stalls, what they liked and learned throughout the day. Here are some of their thoughts:
- Zeiad Yasser, 10A – “What I like about International Day is that we have many people from different cultures participating.”
- Ali Abdulla Al Mohannadi, 10N – “Our hard work paid off because I am showing people my culture, traditions and teaching them our history. We are giving them a free taste of our country.”
- Juando Simarmata, 6A and Charles Jacob, 5N – “I liked the designs of the stalls the most, they are very decorative.”
- George Mahon, 10A – “I learned that everyone has their own foods. They are all unique and taste extravagant in their own ways.”
- Gede Arya Yogananda, 7N – “I enjoyed helping the stall for my country, it was great fun and I learned a lot about my own country!”
- Hassan Imran, 7A – “I had an awesome time. I like looking at and learning about the interesting countries.”
- Muhammad Aqiel Iryraf Bin Azmi, 10A – “I get to express my love towards by country. Malaysia Boleh!”
- Hafiz Shiddiq, 6N – “I like seeing all the diversity and everyone’s national costumes.”
- Ms. Lina Omari – “I think International day is a great day to celebrate the diversity of the student body in NAISAK.”
- Rey Subayco (parent of Cyril) – “I like the costumes because they are so colourful and vibrant.”
- Fawida Abdul Wahid - (Parent of Ardini) “It is good, fun, festive and there are lots of great and tasty food.”
- Asmawati Prasetyo – “They have good food, great decorations and friendly people.”
- Ms Gonzalès – “I am very much impressed by the contributions the families have made to support the multiculturalism of our school.”
- Siti Sarah Mutia Zahra – “I like meeting other people and seeing culture.”
- Aditya Prasetyo – “I like the food, culture and the sweets.”
- Evelyn Naibaho, 8A – “I like the interesting facts and colours and delicious food from different countries.”
- Zeiad Yasser, 10A – “I like the food from Pakistan and Egypt.”
- Samudra Prasetyo, 10A - “I enjoyed the traditional games and food. So yummy!”
- Wan Ardini Binti Wan Edrin, 10A – “The food was delicious, I appreciate all the work that everyone has put in.”
- Thomas Mahon, 7N – “I would love to see even more people representing their countries.”
The Year 10 interviewers also had something to say: “It was a great break from all the exams and a great way to celebrate. We had a great time and viewed through our lens, everyone else did too!”
Mr Pontich wished NAISAK happy birthday and happy holidays when he spoke to us after the parade. International Day has certainly put us in proud celebratory mode.
