Following a long historical development,
picturesque Europe is emitting dazzling light.
She is the praiseworthy ‘goddess’ of poets.
She is the source of inspiration for painters.
She is the great hall of culture and art.
The Renaissance was born here.
We will start our exploration here, too.
Come and join us! Let’s enjoy this cultural feast!
The Opening Ceremony for this year’s Carnival, “Europe: A Feast of Culture”, a much-anticipated event for students, teachers, and parents, kicked off in a warm, vibrant, and magical atmosphere. This year’s carnival focuses on classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm (renowned linguists and folklorists). Primary school teachers from 5 subjects (ELA, Bilingual, Chinese, Longman, Mathematics) and the Parents’ Committee collaborated to adapt tales for the stage and infuse educational meanings, aiming to pass on life lessons. Hosted by Mr. Connor Harington and Mr. Steven Shi, the ceremony started with Principals Ms. Helen Liu and Dr. Adam Neufield reviewing past carnival highlights, linking the school’s carnival history to this year’s fairy-tale theme.
BILINGUAL TEAM
The Bilingual Team presented Little Red Riding Hood, collaborating with Music, STEAM, Art, and PE teachers to select five key roles. Their jazzy version features a narrator to tell Red Riding Hood’s journey to her grandmother’s house, with unique dances and songs for each adventure. The story ends with the woodcutter rescuing Grandma and making the wolf apologise, teaching the lessons of “never lie (truth emerges)” and “apologise sincerely for mistakes”. For the upcoming month, they are planning cross-disciplinary activities, such as designing “safe travel maps” in STEAM class to help Red Riding Hood avoid dangers.
ELA TEAM
The ELA Team chose Rapunzel for their performance. To showcase the “magical singing tower,” they collaborated closely: literature teachers polished the script (simplifying plots while preserving Rapunzel’s courage and longing for freedom); acting teachers guided role development; and decoration teachers designed the backdrop (soft gold and sky blue for the tower) and yarn “long hair.” The performance taught that “courage overcomes difficulties” and “sincerity connects hearts.” For the carnival month, they will guide students to explore European fairy tale culture and create English “fairy tale snippets”.
CHINESE TEAM
The Chinese Language Team adapted Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs around the theme “Learning breeds elegance,” telling a modern campus story: the Queen, jealous of Snow White’s charm from reading Chinese books, sends a huntsman to steal the books. Snow White escapes to a forest school, becomes a teaching assistant, and leads her class to win “Super Class.” They integrated multi-subject elements, conveying that “Reading makes one beautiful” and “Collaboration leads to success.” During the Carnival month, they will hold activities such as “fairy tale quote copying” and “Snow White: New Ending Writing” to deepen understanding of the story and foster a love for Chinese.
ENGLISH TEAM
The Longman Team performed Cinderella, with teachers playing distinct roles (kind Cinderella, arrogant stepsisters, and the magical fairy godmother) to guide the audience into a dreamy world. The play was fun and conveyed the messages that “kindness and courage bring wonders” and “stay true to your light.” Teachers used their spare time for rehearsals and preparations (costumes, props, and sound effects). For the Carnival, students will join a Europe-themed reading journey, which includes reading English fairy tales, participating in the “SUIS Voice” speech contest, and entering the “My Dream” English writing competition to boost their confidence and English skills.
PARENTS
Parents performed Hansel and Gretel, squeezing time to polish the script and practice dances for a “candy adventure”. They adjusted the witch to be a “lost old lady who apologises” (for children’s understanding) and created a safe, realistic candy house made of edible sugar paper and foam, along with some guided rehearsals. The story taught about “family warmth” (Hansel and Gretel care for each other) and the “power of wisdom” (they escape using cleverness). For the Carnival month, parents will work with teachers to explore European culture, such as making “mini candy houses” to experience European folk crafts.
MATHEMATICS TEAM
The Mathematics Team based their performance on The Frog Prince, adding European romantic elements. Female teachers played elegant princesses, while male teachers transformed from frogs to princes with “mathematical magic,” using a waltz to connect the show (blending numerical rigour with graceful dance). They integrated mathematical “transformation” thinking (e.g., “counting steps” when the frog retrieves the golden ball) and used geometric shapes for props (castle, well bottom). The performance taught that “math involves innovative thinking” and “knowledge integrates with art.” During the Carnival month, the team will hold activities such as “math secrets in European castles” to learn geometry through architecture.
With the fairy-tale performances ending, the Opening Ceremony laid a foundation for upcoming events. A month of carnival activities awaits: each grade will research specific European countries (e.g., Germany’s folk customs, France’s art, Italy’s history) to experience the diversity of European culture. This month-long journey will extend the opening’s fairy tales and provide a chance for students to broaden their horizons, learn collaboratively, and grow happily!
