November Photo Challenge - International Day!

Today was a special day at HOPAC - International Day!

It was a half day of school with no classes - most students dream, right?

 

Students were asked to dress in their country's colors or traditional dress instead of their uniform. Marc wore a U of M shirt and Isaac represented the D with a Tigers shirt. This is one of those days that I regret not buying the family those Old Navy shirts that go on sale after July 4th. :)

The first part of the morning was spent in assembly, where they sang the Tanzanian National Anthem, a worship song and then had a few performances from students.

 

 

 

 

After assembly, students were dismissed to go visit different booths that were set up in each classroom representing countries. Primary students had a 'passport' that they could get stamped at each country. Most booths had posters or pictures of their country, some interesting facts, some props that depict their country or traditions and flags.

 

After their 'trip around the world', students had a competition with facts they had learned about the countries, and then were dismissed to the food booths! Almost every country represented in the school population, which is over 30, had a food booth set up where you could try traditional foods. AMAZING. I can't even recall all the delicious foods I tried, but my favorite was probably the Indian or Ethiopian.  The USA represented well with apple & cherry pie, popcorn, hot dogs, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Kool-Aid, Sweet Tea and some other baked goods. Um...we might not be the healthiest nation. Just sayin.

 

 

 

The day ended back in the 'covered court' (gym) with a Parade of Nations. Each nation was called and they were able to parade around the gym with their flag while their national anthem played. Think of the Olympics taken down a notch or two. It was beautiful.

International Day was the culmination of "Pamoja (Unity) Week" at HOPAC. It was a recognition and celebration of the immense beauty and diversity represented at HOPAC. It was  to see Isaac cheering on his classmates as they passed during the parade - he's always coming home telling us where his new friends are from. We love HOPAC and are so grateful for this school and community!!