For many of us, the CDNIS Carnival is the highlight of term one. For just a day, the campus is transformed into the perfect escape for students in need of a break from their heavy November workload. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the signature inflatable mascot waving at passersby from the entrance and the cheerful din of excited voices.
I immediately gravitated towards a fan favorite from 2024, the Food Fair; located in the 6th floor cafeteria. The space was consumed by colorful stalls and mouthwatering smells, serving cuisine from seven different countries: a culinary representation of CDNIS’s student diversity. The entirety of the 3rd floor basketball court was devoted to student club-run stalls. Volunteering was not exclusive to CDNIS students and staff but also welcomed students from other schools. The Sunshine Action club was running a face-pieing stall to raise money for charity. Kayah, a Sunshine Action volunteer, commented: “[The carnival is] really good for clubs because they can promote themselves…I think we’ve collected over 1,000 for charity so far!”
Student performances were hosted in the Alan Dick Forum from 10:30 to 12:15. Neela, a performer, commented: “I love working with my classmates, seeing the musical side of them.” Ms. Drouet, this event’s organizer, emphasized that carnival showtime offers a friendly platform for the younger students to experience performing for the first time. Whether seated in the forum itself or simply passing through the main staircase, visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in beautiful music and dance.
I looked forward to visiting my favorite attractions from years before, yet I was delighted to discover new additions to the kiosk lineup!
In traditional carnival fashion, the 6th floor pitch was converted into an inflatable playground. While CDNIS students and alumni entertained in the DJ booth, students took turns sliding down gigantic inflatable slides and jumping enthusiastically in the brightly colored Bouncy Castle. Four floors above, the LLAC lobby was split between a book fair and a lower school storytelling corner. I caught students sitting in a circle around a teacher, reading a picture book to them in Chinese. They sat in silence, completely enraptured by the story.
Neon Tiger, a budding Hong Kong based soda company, organized a booth on the 8th floor common area. They recently made a debut in the CDNIS healthy vending machines, selling sodas brewed with 100% natural ingredients, rejecting artificial flavoring, colors and sweeteners. You might have even spotted co-founder Douglas Aitken roaming around campus in a giant mango soda suit! Shaan, a Neon Tiger Representative, commented on the atmosphere of the carnival, this being her first time visiting the CDNIS campus: “I’ve been having a great time so far. Everyone has been coming around and chatting, and everyone seems to really be part of the community.”
I departed the carnival with a full stomach and an overwhelming sense of community. The signature inflatable mascot waved jubilantly to me as I exited the building.
