At 12.35 the rain stopped and, Michael our entertainment host, got going with his drum that reverberated around the Quad.  Next he led the dragon on a dance that saw it twist and turn around the astroturf.  The scene was wonderful with the boys, teachers and parents 2 or 3 deep around the quad, watching excitedly!  Last were some martial arts demonstrations that I suspect had the boys imitating them for the rest of the day. Click here to watch a short video.

As the boys went off to have their Lunar Lunch, brilliantly choreographed by Sam Birks, Catering Manager, the parents made their way back to the Pilgrims' Hall.  We had some traditional music and some beautiful dancing, before I was given the stage!

One of my aims as Chair of the PPA was to encourage the Parent Body to feel much more integrated and it is cultural events like this that are so important in bringing us all together.  The amazing Jess and I aimed to have 40 parents and we were bowled away with having over 60 parents and staff attend what was a brilliant afternoon.  She was determined to make it very inclusive.  The Lunar New Year is celebrated across southern Asia and she wanted to make this point – this was for everyone.  For all of us, and the boys, sharing these cultural events is so important to their (and our) education.

Jess then engaged the party with some wonderful words and huge appreciation to everyone who came and to Mr Butcher and the Duncans who attended the event.  She especially thanked Nina, Emily, Heidi, Farah, Ayse and Eleanor for their help setting up. Qiqi and Amy who once again lent a hand in preparing 300 dumplings. There were others who helped tidy up and Jess and I are grateful to all of you all.  We also want to thank Angela Slater for handling the tickets.  (I must point out that some who helped could not even attend – demonstrating the spirit within the parent body).

And to Jess, last summer she announced to me that she was too busy at work and needed to step down from the PPA.  I understood and started putting feelers out as to how we could celebrate this year.  I can’t tell you how excited I was when I received a WhatsApp in November telling me her work had quietened down and she was back!  The effort she puts in to coordinate the entertainment, the helpers, the food which she and Eric brought in their cars, is quite sensational and I am so grateful to her for all she has done. 

I told a story about my first trip to China as an 18 year old in 1991. I spoke no Chinese and all I had was a smile and laughter. I learnt that through kindness, openness and a willingness to get on, one can go a long way.

This event is a great example of the PPA and the parent body pulling together and long may it continue! 

Have a good half-term.

George Burnand
PPA Chair

PS I look forward to seeing every one at the Quiz on Friday 1 March. Booking will be open after half-term.