United Nations Day and the Halloween Festival offered a vibrant journey of cultural discovery, helping WASSers develop understanding and an appreciation of differences.
Each culture has its own stories and values for students to explore, discuss, and learn from. October’s cultural events brought these lessons to life for WASSers, helping them broaden their perspectives and build connections.
United Nations Day: learning to understand through differences
United Nations Day gave WASSers opportunities to explore the cultural identities of different countries in an open and welcoming setting. Through cultural stories and experiences, students were encouraged to ask questions, listen, and embrace different perspectives.
By exploring cultural diversity, students gradually learned that respect for differences forms the foundation for living and working together. The message of a peaceful and fair world took shape through everyday actions: listening to others, appreciating each person’s individuality, and creating opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute to the group.
Halloween Festival: Exploring traditions, nurturing gratitude and sharing
October’s vibrant cultural journey continued with the Halloween Festival, where students explored distinctive Western traditions through harvest-themed experiences.
With the themes “A Mysterious Harvest Adventure” for Primary, Secondary, and High School students and “Little Monsters’ Magical Harvest – A Whimsical Halloween” for Kindergarten students, the festival offered meaningful lessons in appreciating hard work, food, and what students receive each day.
In the festive atmosphere, Primary, Secondary, and High School WASSers explored Halloween’s origins, showcased unique costumes, and took on a range of challenges. Dressing as favourite characters or farmers allowed them to express their creativity while connecting the celebration with stories about hard work and the value of the harvest.
For Kindergarten WASSers, these lessons were shared through age-appropriate play. As they worked together to find clues to rescue the farmer or shared sweets with friends, teachers, and school staff, students practiced cooperation, learned to show care, and experienced the joy of sharing.
For Kangaroo and Preschool students, the Halloween Festival 2026 journey also extended to the 43 Nguyen Thong campus. Welcomed and accompanied by House Council members, little WASSers explored the learning spaces and joined activities with their older Primary School peers.
This firsthand experience gave students opportunities to communicate confidently, become familiar with the Primary School environment, and build bonds with older students in the WASS community.
From cultural stories at United Nations Day to lessons in gratitude and sharing during Halloween, WASSers learned to connect with the world through everyday actions. These experiences nurtured understanding, cooperation, and a sense of responsibility towards their community.
