Held on 19 March 2026, the 2nd edition of International Day (also called One With the World day) at the OWIS Digital Campus went beyond cultural exposure and aimed for cultural immersion for students and staff alike. An international food fair, cultural booths representing different nations, and several engaging performances that honoured diversity in all forms made for a colourful and inclusive celebration!
Cultural immersion – that’s the mindset we aim to instil among our students as they, their parents and the staff of the OWIS Digital Campus experience the richness of being part of an incredibly multicultural community on International Day.
Preparations for the celebration began over a month ahead of the school-wide event, with the organising committee liaising with students and parents to plan the whole programme.
We had a quick interview with our Head of School, Mr James Morris, who expressed his excitement for the event and why this year’s International Day celebration would be more impactful.
With the multicultural makeup of our students comprising 40 nationalities, our goal for this year’s edition was to ensure every student could fully appreciate the practices and beliefs of their fellow schoolmates. Students were highly encouraged to wear their national costume or colours, and it was heartwarming to see the pride with which they chose to represent their cultures.
In the first half of the day, our wonderful Parent and Student volunteers helped in the set-up of their booths at both our Food and Cultural Fairs, located within the MPH and Quantum Theatre respectively. At different periods throughout the day, students gravitated either towards the aroma of delicious food, or the colourful games and costumes at the cultural booths.
Parents volunteer Ms Deta described the event as one that was meaningful to not just the students, but also the parents who watched the event come to life.
“We feel united, but at the same time we get to experience the diversity of all the different cultures present.”
Parent volunteers manning the Philippines cultural booth similarly affirmed the significance of International Day in the current global climate..
“One With The World Day allows us to be proud of our own roots while ensuring we also appreciate other cultures around us.”
This year, we wanted our students to realise that diversity and inclusivity went beyond knowing about other nationalities and cultures – it also meant being aware of the challenges being faced by different groups across the world.
Besides the cultural exhibitions, organisations like Red Cross and World Vision engaged students to show they could contribute to humanitarian causes as members of an international community.
One simply had to be there in order to experience the pure joy of the various cultures coming together – not to just enjoy what was provided, but also satiate curiosities through genuine conversations.
Mrs Valerie, the Head of Public Education and Partnerships at World Vision, mentioned how well run the event was, and the high level of participation from the students.
“The students had a chance to step into the shoes of some of the children they had learned about,” Mrs Valerie added, referencing the activities that had been set up for the students’ learning.
In the second half of the celebrations, all students, staff members, and parents eagerly gathered in the Quantum Theatre for a medley of performances that truly encompassed the spirit of International Day.
Performance highlights include:
- A hula dance that sent us back to our Lilo and Stitch days,
- An impromptu flash mob to Cotton Eye Joe
- A mystical belly dance routine performed by our teachers
- Marvelous foreign language songs sung onstage
- A graceful Spanish Flamenco dance performance by students, led by an instructor who had been training them weeks prior.
- And many more!
Every performance was cheered on by a very supportive audience composed of students, staff and parents – an overwhelming demonstration of the inclusiveness and positive mindset that OWIS cultivates in students and the community alike.
As part of the closing ceremony for the celebration, our student flag bearers carried a flag that represented their respective countries, concluding the parade with the OWIS and Singapore flags.
A truly remarkable celebration full of culture, colour, and camaraderie!
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While not everyday is filled with energetic onstage performances and cultural exhibitions – the spirit of OWIS can be captured in the regular classes and activities conducted everyday. Do join us for a School Tour anytime you are available, or see us in person during our next Open House on 11 April – and understand more on why OWIS is the perfect place for your children.
