International Day was a wonderful day.  The children ‘visited’ over 20 different countries celebrating the nationalities represented at Chandlings.  International Day is embraced by the whole school community with around 40 parents from a variety of countries hosting stalls which every child visits to listen, taste and experience different cultures.  

The stalls included Japan, India, Singapore, Wales, Portugal, Russia and Germany to name but a few.  Parents dressed in their national dress and offered quizzes, facts, games and foods for the children to collect and try.  Spain had some delicious tapas to taste, South Korea brought sweet delicacies and France had some snails! All the children visited the stalls with a unique passport, that needed to be stamped, and a form with questions to complete.

This year there was a new stall called ‘Trash Isles’ run by the newly founded parents’ Eco Group which runs alongside the existing children’s Eco Committee.  Its aim was to raise awareness of the Great Pacific Garbage patch, highlight the growing problems of climate change and show how we can all live more sustainably. 

The rest of International day was filled with various workshops which the children showcased at the end of the day in the International Day Parade.  Year 3 tried their hand at Taekwondo and learnt Korean writing. Year 4 took part in African drumming, music and dancing. Year 5 ‘visited’ the USA playing basketball, lacrosse and some line-dancing and Year 6 learnt other European languages and explored the Seven Wonders of the World. 

"It's a day when we can celebrate our differences and unite in diversity," said Miss Wells, Head of Geography, who organised the whole event.  “The children love the day and they can learn all about other countries and cultures. It brings together the school community of parents and children showing how we can learn from each other and enrich our lives."  

“International Day is the best day at Chandlings,” said one of the Year 4 children.

Thank you to all the parents who provided their time and creativity to make the day so special.