By Martha Teo

Children’s Day has been celebrated in Singapore since 1961. It used to be observed on 01 October until 2012, when the Ministry of Education decided to move Children’s Day to the first Friday of October. Primary school children get a holiday on the day, this year on 06 October.

The girls of Marymount Convent School (MCS) are excited on the morning of Thursday, 05 October 2017 as they greet each other, many of whom are dressed in their favourite outing clothes instead of the ubiquitous school uniform. They are looking forward to celebrating Children’s Day; a day specially set aside to celebrate the joys of childhood. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Colours of the Rainbow”. Thus teachers and students came dressed in the cheerful hues of the rainbow.

Squeals of laughter could be heard all over the school as class parties got under way. Food, games, and all the frills and trappings of having a wonderful time are evident in every classroom, especially in the lower primary ones. See photos below.

One of the higher level classes is said to have turned their classroom into a disco. The girls of MCS obviously know how to let their hair down when it is time to do so. As the clock ticks towards eleven, it is time to clear up in readiness for the concert to be presented by the adults. Girls in beautiful clothes are seen scurrying around with black garbage bags, disposing them appropriately into the different bins. It is heartening to observe that the children practice ecological justice amidst their partying and fun.

I could hear the voice of the Discipline Master calling the school to order as the girls filed into the Hall to take their seats on the floor, lining their colourful bags by their sides. See photo below.

Just a little after 11.30am, the emcee teases the children into a mood of expectation for a good time hosted by the teachers and staff. The principal, Mrs Allison Lim wishes the attentive girls, “Happy Children’s Day” and reads a message from Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, who calls on the children of Singapore to use their gifts to reach out to the less fortunate, so that together the nation will progress in strength and build our future together.

Sr Del leads in a time of prayer, during which she urges the girls to remember other children who are not able to receive an education and are in various situations of risk and danger. The mood is sombre when the session concluded with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. See more details under “International Day of the Girl” which is observed on 11 October 2017.

Let the show begin! Teachers of every level, and various departments, as well as members of Parents’ Support Group contribute items to entertain the children who eagerly participated when invited. The hall is filled with unbridled enthusiasm and laughter as teachers and staff show that they too could let their hair down. It is clear that the hosts of the concert put in great efforts to entertain their young guests who show their appreciation by clapping loudly. See photos below for an idea of the two hours of celebration.

As I stood at a corner of the school plaza watching parents and significant other adults fetch the children home, I heard comments such as, “it was so fun”, “you know my teacher was a very cute baby”, “my class won a prize”, “my teachers were so cool, they dance”…. All around me, children are busy unwrapping their snacks without a care in the world. It is a privilege for me to attend “Colours of the Rainbow @ MCS”. I remember my own carefree childhood and whisper a prayer for all the children of the world who are deprived of theirs.