Celebrations

Possible Scenarios
threw a surprise birthday party
participated in the performance
someone fainted in the parade square
preparation for our Teachers’ Day Concert
bad weather threatened to spoil the celebrationVenuesschool hall
the Padang
holiday resort
club house
sports stadium
East Coast ParkPeoplebusy ushers
the guest of honour
invited guests
helpful first-aiders
road marshalls
an eloquent guest speaker
event organisers
performers in magnificent costumes
a chatty compere
parade participants in smart uniformsWhat We Sawa sea of red and white
flags fluttering in the breeze
platters of popular local food
a sky full of brilliant fireworks
a huge red and white cream cake
children in colourful ethnic costumes
a big cake in the shape of an open book
a stage decked with plants and banners
changing images flashed on the large screens
tables groaning under the weight of the abundant food providedWhat We Heard
loud cheers burst out
excited children shouting
accompanied by stirring music
many voices joined in the singing
music from a loud speaker filled the air
the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the spectators
booming of cannons and fireworks in the distance
songs about Singapore echoed throughout the stadiumWhat We Had
crunchy snacks
tangy vegetable salads
sweet, fizzy drinks
delicious home-made cakes
cold, refreshing mineral water
fruit jellies and creamy puddings
fragrant nasi lemak with spicy chilli sambalWhat We Didput on fancy costumes
marched in the parade
performed skits / dances
put up colourful buntings and banners
painted our faces with assorted colours
waited excitedly for the events to begin
audience tapping their feet to the rhythmHere are some ways to begin:
My first National Day Parade! I gripped my father’s hand tightly as I walked into the National Stadium and right into a sea of red and white.

As the strains of ‘Majulah Singapura’ echoed the school courtyard, I stood rigidly to attention, happy to be celebrating Singapore’s birthday again.

Nurliza was splendid dressed in a green ‘baju kurong’. Anjali was in a glorious pink and purple ‘saree’. Xiao Ying was in a gold ‘qipao’ while I was dressed in a pastel blue ‘samfoo’. It was Racial Harmony Day and we were all dressed in our ethnic clothes.Here are some ways to conclude:
As the last of the brilliant fireworks faded into the dark sky, we cheered lustily. It was a wonderful performance.

The parade was over but as we made our way out of the stadium alongside thousands of other Singaporeans, we were still euphoric. The celebrations may be over but for me, the pride of being a Singaporean will always remain

After the celebrations, our principal thanked us for our excellent performance. We were proud to have been part of the show for Racial Harmony Day.

As we made our way home in our ethnic costumes, parents smiled and waved to us. For once, I felt good in my ethnic clothes and I resolved to wear them more often.

As I watched the performance on stage, I was reminded that teachers are also people who do have fun and who do enjoy life outside their busy teaching schedules.