BIS International Day 2018

The PTA is proud and excited to have been a part of International Day 2018 on 21 September at BIS. The school community had a sunshine filled afternoon of sipping teas, sampling national dishes and playing garden games within a vibrant, supportive, relaxed environment.

The afternoon began with students and staff representing their countries in a colourful, musical parade of their costumes and flags. The official opening was attended by staff, students, parents and alumni, as well as a special guest from the Education Department. Four students welcomed the gathering, each reflecting upon the importance of their nationalities within a global context, and how being at a school like BIS broadens their understanding and awareness of what it is to be a world citizen. An official goal of BIS is to engage and empower global-minded, confident learners in an active, creative and respectful learning community. The BIS International Day is a wonderful celebration of the fulfilment of these goals within an active school community environment. The PTA is proud to be a part of this exciting, fun filled celebration.

Each represented country showcased samples of their cultures and cuisines, reflecting the pride they have in their heritage, in an atmosphere of celebration and sharing.

Here is a sample of the festivities-
Australia (tattoos, fairy bread and cricket); Taiwan (salty sponge cake, bubble tea and marble games); South Korea (musical instruments, bulgogi, citrus tea); Germany (pretzels, mamorkuchen, bretzeln); Scandinavia (meatballs, Lego and licorice); England (Pimm’s tea, sausage rolls and scones and a literature quiz); Indonesia, (too many delicacies to mention and a smile filled dance routine); Guatemala (tortilla and guacamole and a piñata); Canada (pancakes, maple syrup and cake) USA ( “s’more” the word comes from when you are eating them you always say can I have ‘some more!’), Argentina, (chimichurri, chorioan, Che); Holland, ( blikwerpen, spice cookies, hagelslag); India( biryani,dal,and the gift of yoga!). Our apologies if any of these delights have been incorrectly spelled!

Particular thanks go to the students and staff of BIS for their enthusiasm and commitment to making the day a success; the tireless hard work of the ground staff, the PTA, in particular Briged Bardetta, Allison Rumsey Jacquier and Akanksha Jaiswal and last but not least, the parents who banded together to make each and every country a joy to ‘visit’, even if just for a few hours!