Our school is a multicultural school with students from different ethnicities and backgrounds. To empower the minority groups in school, and to make the wider community aware of their cultures, we decided to celebrate some of the important festivals at our school this year.

One of such endeavours was to celebrate an Indian festival DIWALI on 22nd October 2008, in our school. Diwali is also known as ‘The Festival of Lights’. On this day, people decorate their homes with numerous lamps (diyas). These lamps symbolize the the light of knowledgethat removes ignorance and instills positive forces like love, tolerance, sympathy and harmony. Families gather for a feast and stay up late, celebrating with the help of crackers and sweets.

The programme included two competitions- Lamp decorating competition and Rangoli (colourful designs on paper) competition followed by a dance performance by our Indian and Nepali students. Towards the end prizes and certificates were given to all the participants by the dignitaries. Snacks were also provided so that invitees could relish the flavour of Indian cuisine.

The guests were the representatives of EDB, New Zealand Consulate, Vice Consul General of India, Chief priest of Hindi temple, representative of Sikh temple, EFA, the English Panel Head and acting Deputy Headmistress of Li Sing Primary School and Ms. Aradhna (Ms. Nina’s sister). The guests seemed impressed by our school’s efforts to promote multiculturalism.

Our DP, Mr. Sid and English Panel Head, Ms. Wong took the guests on a comprehensive school tour.