A day to remember - International Friendship Day 2011 (21 July 2011)

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The International Friendship Day (IFD) is an important event in HCIS’ calendar of school events.  It is a special day set aside to celebrate the different colours of our international student body and to remind one and all the importance of living in harmony with one another despite differences in race, language or culture.  Head of Humanities Faculty Samuel Lim and Economics teacher Susan Sek were the event managers.

The long awaited International Friendship Day (IFD) took place on July 21st. It was an occasion eagerly anticipated by all of us, who cherished fond memories of the event last year. Preparations for celebrations this year started in May and intensified as the event drew closer; in the week leading up to the actual day, rehearsals often ended at 8pm.

On the event day itself, the excitement among the student body was palpable. I could feel the escalating excitement building up as students proceeded into the MPH with airline tickets in hands and took their seats. The concept of this year’s show centered on the airlines, with the emcees and ushers playing the roles of air stewards and stewardesses, and the hall decorated like the interior of the plane. More than just eye-catching, the airline concept aptly reflected the international aspect of the event and perhaps conveyed the message that the audience were in for a (wonderful) ride.

The concert began with a bang! – a combined hip-hop dance with students from different levels that brought the curtain raiser to a whole new dimension. The bar was set high and subsequent performances by the students from across the levels kept up the adrenalin flow. I was especially impressed by the skit put up by the Pre-University 1 level. It was a fittingly touching condensed version of Aladdin, and the props – all handmade by students - were astonishingly elaborate.  A personal favourite however would be the Pirate and a Princess skit performed by the Secondary fours. The storyline was enthralling and the play hilarious, making it a hot favourite among the audience.

International Friendship Day turned out to be a resounding success. This is due in no small part to the performers and backstage crew, whose tireless work and dedication made the event such an exhilarating experience for everyone.  The performers, actors and backstage helpers have also Mr. Samuel Lim to thank for. His creative ideas and relentless commitment to excellence had made this event a great learning journey for all.

Finally, and most importantly, we are grateful for the unstinting support shown by so many of our parents who had donated generously towards the event making it possible for the performers to put up an even better performance for the enjoyment of all.

With this year’s International Friendship Day over, I am now absolutely looking forward to next year’s edition. Aren’t we all?

By Glenda Ashley Teo (Secondary 4 Joy)