Last September 5, 2024  was a day to remember at Anand Singapore International School (ASIS) as we pulled off one of the best surprises for our incredible teachers! The fun started weeks ago when our Parent Support Group (PSG) and I concocted a master plan to honor our educators in the most secretive way possible. And what did we do? We labeled the day Grandparents’ Day! Genius, right? Every time the event came up in conversation and a teacher was nearby, no one suspected a thing.

But here’s where it gets even better. The parents and students were 100% in on the plan and rallied together to make it all happen. From coordinating secret rehearsals for performances to organizing food, decorations, sound systems, card-making sessions, and even gifts, they nailed it all! It was heartwarming to see the community come together for our hardworking teachers.

When the day finally arrived, the teachers were completely caught off guard. We started by closing the hall doors to build suspense. And then, with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony (thanks to our Deputy Head Teacher and yours truly), the doors flew open, and every student yelled with all their might, “Happy Teachers’ Day!” The look of surprise and joy on the teachers' faces was priceless.

The performances were simply fantastic! The Preschool students came dressed as their favorite characters and thanked all the teachers — they were absolutely adorable and melted everyone’s hearts. Lower Primary sang a beautiful song and handed out heartfelt cards to their teachers. Upper Primary didn’t hold back either; they performed a lively dance to a “Thank You” song with lyrics that were so touching, there were definitely a few teary eyes in the crowd. The Secondary students, always creative, put together a hilarious skit where they impersonate their teachers. The skit also included some fun challenges: a student went head-to-head with the PE teacher in a ball dribbling contest, there were quizzes for the Science teachers, and to top it all off, a singing competition between Arav from Secondary 1 and Mr. Ariv, the French teacher, which turned into an impromptu singalong. The whole hall was buzzing with excitement!

We also took a moment to honor our teachers with personalized certificates, a small token of our appreciation for their dedication and hard work. The hall was buzzing with energy, and the bond between students, parents, and teachers felt stronger than ever. Many parents showed up to participate and spend the afternoon with the teachers, which added even more warmth to the occasion.

The teachers were absolutely touched by the gesture, and you could feel the appreciation in the air. They expressed how grateful they were, not just for the celebration but for being part of a community that feels like family. ASIS truly is a place where students are thoughtful, parents are generous, and teachers are cherished.

It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments – a perfect reminder that at ASIS, we’re all in this together.