Cultural Day 2025: A Joyful Celebration!

Held for the first time at the beautifully green and spacious Jeugdland Hoofddorp, the event offered the perfect setting for an afternoon filled with colour, connection, and celebration. With the sun shining brightly, the atmosphere was simply buzzing with excitement.

From 3 to 6 pm, the entire OIS community – students, parents, caregivers, and staff – gathered in a joyful celebration of our school’s multilingual, multicultural identity. The new venue, nestled in nature and away from the usual school environment, gave everyone the space and freedom to play, chat, explore and relax.

As families began to arrive, they were greeted by the rhythmic, joyful beats of the Drum Party Tent by Unikidz, setting the tone for an afternoon full of music, movement, and togetherness. The lively drumming welcomed guests right at the entrance, immediately creating a festive spirit and bringing a sense of unity from the very start.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing children performing fearlessly with bright smiles in the Talent Show. Whether it was singing, dancing, or a capoeira performance – our young performers were nothing short of amazing, and the applause from the crowd said it all!

Meanwhile, parents from all around the globe proudly presented homemade dishes at the now-famous Food Street. The stalls were beautifully decorated with bunting, flags, traditional fabrics, and warm smiles, creating a stunning display of the rich international community that makes OIS so unique. Dressed in traditional clothing and eager to share stories behind each dish, families showcased the best of their home countries with pride and passion. It was a true feast for the senses!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our dedicated parent volunteers. Your energy and support made all the difference. A special shout-out to the OIS Parent Committee, who once again showed how valuable and impactful our Volunteering Community is. You’ve set a wonderful example of what it means to be involved and engaged.

Cultural Day is more than just a fun event – it’s a reminder of the beauty of diversity, the strength of community, and the joy that comes from simply spending time together. We are already looking forward to continuing this fantastic tradition next year, and making Cultural Day 2026 even bigger and better.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special – let’s keep celebrating what makes OIS truly international and wonderfully united!