Woodstock's Independence Day is always a full day of celebrations and performances, and this year was no exception. A group of grade 5 and 6 students from Riverside School in Ahmedabad were our special guests this year, and they were an enthusiastic and vibrant addition to the Woodstock community. Here's a diary of the day, with more photos than usual - we hope it helps you to share this day with us.

9.00 a.m. Flag raising

Over the last five years, because of the weather, we have only been able to have an open air ceremony once, so Parker Hall is now a familiar venue for this solemn occasion. The flag is traditionally unfurled by Indian students who have been longest at Woodstock School; this year there were two - Shruti Arthur and Siona Gholap, who both came in Grade 2. Interestingly, both had spent last year in the US on our exchange programme, so this was a nice way to be welcomed back. Musical items and songs were provided as ever by the Indian music students led by Mr. Aloke Maiti, and the singing of the national anthem was accompanied in stirring style by the Advanced Band led by Mr. David Hugg. Speeches were presented by students from Riverside school, and included a prayer by Tagore and an extract from Nehru's "tryst with destiny" speech.

Tristan and Aditya. Elementary students, on stage	Mr. Aloke Maiti, Indian music teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.00 a.m. Reception

One of the most colourful parts of the day is the hour when staff and students mingle in the Quad, enjoying Indian snacks prepared by the school's catering service and photographing each other in Indian and Korean national dress - Korean Independence Day also occurs on 15th August. Here's a selection of photos which capture something of this occasion (click on the thumbnail to enlarge).

		From top left: shy Korean students; Ramona Freitas & Vandana Dhammi (staff) ; Burchells (staff) ; Hammans (staff); Quad scene

 

11.00 a.m. Photo exhibition opening

This year Woodstock was hosting a two-day exhibition curated by the Centre for Women's Development Studies. The exhibition at the Hanifl Center was inaugurated by Tom Alter, and reports from student indicated that this was a very worthwhile and interesting display.

Acting Principal Mrs. Kaye Aoki with Tom Alter	Students enjoy the exhibition

 

12.00 noon: Employees' lunch

On Independence Day staff and seniors traditionally serve lunch to school employees. This year was agreed to have been the best lunch for a while. The venue was Alter Ridge, and the school had booked a local singer who entertained us with Hindi and Garhwali songs all through each of the three sittings. Twenty or more staff and a dozen students were on hand to welcome and serve the guests, which included ayahs and their families as well as direct employees. Around 380 were served with a hearty meal of mutton curry, channa, sabzi, rice, puris and savoury tarts.

Preparing the room	Mr. Thupten Chophel lays the tables
Assistant Principal Philip Jacob and Mrs. Aoki welcome the employees	Mr. Dana Crider waits on tables

 

3.00 p.m. "Winds of Change"

Straight up to Parker Hall for our guest performance by Riverside School. This was the second of three performances, and provided an opportunity for alumni and staff and students from Wynberg-Allen, St. Clare's Mussoorie International School, Kaplani School and Landour Language School to join us. The performance, developed with the students and directed by Tom Alter, was colourful, well-paced and significant in its message, as well as being very well presented.

 

5.00 - 7.00 p.m. Student banquets

Elementary, Middle and High School students were treated to a special biriani in the dining room in separate sittings before High School students attended the Riverside performance. Others, no doubt, were happy just to go back home and collapse - I know that's what I did!

Pete Wildman, Development Office