As the school community continues to transition back into the rhythm of regular campus life after the pandemic, the first CDNIS Carnival since COVID-19 was held on November 26th. From its early start at 10:30 in the morning, the Carnival welcomed people with an array of stalls and decorations. Faces lit up in excitement and visitors eagerly explored the vivacious campus, infusing the atmosphere with joy.
Food enthusiasts were treated to a diverse selection of cuisines at the International Food Pavilion on the 12th floor.From Canadian dishes paying homage to our school’s culture to delicacies from all over the world like Japan and India, visitors at the Carnival were spoiled with the plethora of options provided. Whether one wanted to savor Indian chicken tikka or indulge in the sweetness of Chinese Tanghulu, the food stalls catered to an extensive range of palates and served as a nice rest stop from the activities on the lower floors.
As the day drew to a close, children were reluctantto leave this wonderland of fun and people left the Carnival with memories to cherish.
On the 3rd, 6th, and 11th floors, the Carnival featured a variety of games. There were classic carnival games like a ring toss, as well as advanced technological twists like AI basketball and virtual reality booths. Enthusiastic cheers and friendly competition filled the air as people played these games for enticing prizes. Not only that, nearly 20 school clubs actively participated on the day, running their own booths and advocating passionately for their causes.
Amidst the food and game stalls, the infamous CDNIS Dunk Tank stood proudly on the 6th-floor pitch, eagerly awaiting its next victim amongst the faculty who dared to take the plunge. Teachers and staff were dressed in silly costumes and accessories, further fueling the enthusiasm of the crowd. Dr. Kaiser, Dr. Butler and Mr. Douglas were just a few notable people that students and parents successfully dunked into the cold water.
This school-wide event would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the parent volunteers who planned and put it together. Leading the event as co-chairs were Ms. Eileen Cheung, Ms. Monica Lau, and Ms. Reema Khanna. Responsible for the planning and execution of the event, they created a carnival that united students, parents, and staff in an engaging way.
The three co-chairs worked tirelessly with other parents to ensure the event ran smoothly on the day. Ms. Lau revealed the endless work that went into it, including “conferences until midnight and countless WhatsApp groups” that exemplify the exhaustive behind-the-scenes tasks. Their unwavering commitment paid off as the Carnival was a resounding success; the culmination of dedication was evident in the overwhelming positive response from attendees. With over 5,000 guests attending, Ms. Khanna expressed her heartfelt delight “watching the community come together post-COVID, relishing in smiles and joy”.
This sentiment further echoes Ms. Cheung’s opinions as she adds how “the Carnival [played] a crucial role in fostering a deep sense of school spirit by bringing together students, parents, and staff in a festive environment.”
As the day drew to a close, children were reluctant to leave this wonderland of fun, and people left the Carnival with memories to cherish. From laughter-filled stalls to incredible commitments from our parent volunteers and school clubs, the Carnival left a lasting impression on all who attended. The memories created during this event will be treasured, as we eagerly await the next Carnival to relish in the excitement once more.