ACS (International) is a new international school in Singapore, comprising students and teachers from 31 nations. The school’s mission statement refers to "creating a strong , vibrant , international community in which young men and women feel valued and learn understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, friendship and compassion.”
The school gives expression to this aim in a number of ways, but specifically this is focused on the school’s International Day in a whole day programme that involves the whole school community-students, teachers, and parents.
International Day this year was celebrated on 24 April with the IB Community theme - Sharing Our Humanity. Several international schools in Singapore: United World College of South-East Asia Singapore, German European School Singapore and Tanglin Trust School- sent some students and teachers to participate in this event.
The day began with a grand parade of 31 flags representing the nationalities in the school. Then the cultural concert took off on a rousing note with a traditional Japanese drum performance –the Taiko- by students from MINDS. Much to the delight of the audience, students from our school and the other international schools took to the stage to perform dance items ranging from traditional Indian, Malay, Kenyan and Vietnamese dances to contemporary items like salsa, Korean pop dance and Bollywood Indian dance.
Following that, about 20 workshops were conducted to facilitate cross-cultural experience. Many played sports like Gaelic soccer, Tchoukball, or Kendo; others twirled and swirled on the dance floor in the salsa or belly dance workshops; and the more artistic lot opted for batik painting or playing an instrument in Gamelan.
Visitors to the colourful and informative national booths had a very gratifying experience of learning. They went away with henna painted hands or faces painted like an African warrior. For many, the food fiesta was unforgettable. The enthusiastic Parents Support Partners rallied parents to lay out a lavish spread of international cuisine to satisfy every palate.
Besides the cultural festivities, our IB students and some guests from other international schools also emphasized some issues of global concern. Exhibition booths with focus on global concerns like eradicating poverty, education for all, and digital divide were set up to highlight these problems and fund raising activities for some needy communities in Laos, Myanmar and Africa were held. Furthermore, a lively and thoughtful forum comprising parents, students and teachers was facilitated by 2 student leaders to explore novel ways to develop internationalism in the school.
Our assessment of the International Day was that overall the school had an exuberant celebration resulting in a deeper sense of international mindedness and attitudes. There were numerous evidences of cross-cultural learning and interaction as students and teachers were involved actively in exhibition booths or performances not of their own country, and promoting a cause for an overseas organization.
Tan-Lim Siew Hoon
(International Day 2009 committee chairperson)
Comments from participants:
“My warmest congratulations on a successful ‘International Day’. It was a cultural treat for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Mr Premjith Sadasivan, Director from Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, guest speaker
"It was a wonderful opportunity to participate and share in the International day. The amazing performance of the music and dance was complimented by stylish MCs who were both enthusiastic and informative. A personal highlight was the spectacular range and quality of international culinary delights on offer in the canteen….. Thank you for inviting us and sharing cultural diversity and humanity."
Rebecca Scrivener, CAS Coordinator (GESS)
“What a wonderful way to spend a day. A superb example of the way in which humanity can be shared. As a new school learning about IB we were given a huge welcome. Our students thought the activities were excellent and it was great for them to mix with students from so many other schools. Congratulations! “
David Roberts, CAS Coordinator (Tanglin Trust School)
“UWSEA students from several countries in Africa, Eastern Europe and South America brought their culture to ACS International Day by performing a Kenyan dance and the salsa, which were well received by the audience… We also displayed various service projects undertaken in Singapore and SE Asia by the college. The ACS ambassadors were most attentive and helpful and the food and general atmosphere were much enjoyed. It was a great opportunity to interact with students and staff from other international schools.”
Cathy Elliot, CAS Coordinator (UWCSEA)
“Participating in the gamelan workshop has enabled me to learn more about the diverse cultures of our international population”
Sarah Ang, a Year 4 student of ACS (International)
"International Day this year surprised me greatly because of the extensive workshops, performances and enthusiastic atmosphere of the school!”
Nikki Lim, a Year 6 student of ACS (International)
“All the parents involved on that day had a good time; some have even signed up for next year's do. Students this year were also more willing to try out different food.”
Mrs Lian Ong, a parent volunteer
“Many congratulations to you and your team for a spectacular International Day. It was a huge success, with much enthusiasm and energy. The forum threw up useful suggestions and ideas…”
Mrs Rebecca Mok, Head of Faculty for Languages
“The day – for me personally – was a moving experience witnessing the entire school pull together with such enthusiasm, unity and ebullience."
Miss Kathleen Manley, VP (Academic)
“I thought ID was great. If you get involved in these things, then they are always much more fun. Myself and the Africa booth kids had a great day painting faces, distributing biltong and teaching the students African Drumming Rhythms for the stamp in their passport!
The concert in the morning was all great (especially loved the Korean Boys and the Bollywood girls!)… my Year 3 and 5 music students said that the Gamelan workshop was fantastic.”
Mr Paul West, British teacher in-charge of the Africa booth
