Last Sunday evening, one light after another was switched on across the campus.

Laughter, music and intertwined footsteps, and the familiar campus felt especially warm on a winter night.

Amid children's eager anticipation and families coming together, our annual Winter Fair arrived as promised—and concluded beautifully.

As dusk slowly settled, the campus lights began to glow.

Arches, installations, festive lighting and music gently transformed our familiar surroundings into a charming 'winter village' filled with seasonal cheer.

Children walked hand in hand with their parents between the stalls; friends met beneath the lights, greeting one another and pausing to chat; the click of camera shutters blended with laughter.

In that moment, the campus was more than a place of learning—it became a space where people lingered, shared and connected.

This year's Winter Fair continued its strong international spirit.

Teachers from different countries personally hosted culturally themed stalls, turning their own festive memories and traditions into vivid, hands-on experiences.

From the flavours of food to the decoration details; from the game designs to the ways people interacted—children experienced cultural diversity and the wider world in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

This is what Wellington truly values: nurturing understanding, respect and curiosity through authentic, real-life experiences.

At Santa's Grotto, children earnestly shared their wishes and captured precious childhood photos; at the French crêpe stall, the aroma and laughter formed a long, cheerful queue; at the Christmas wreath-making area, small hands carefully wove a sense of winter ritual.

Arts and crafts, gifts, food and games—every stall was an opportunity for children to explore the world, and a precious moment for parents to slow down and share time together.

As the night progressed, the stage lights came on.

The annual Winter Fair performances are among the most anticipated events for many families.

The choir's festive medley echoed through the night sky; pupils from different year groups took turns on stage, lighting up the campus with their songs, performances and smiles; our teachers' participation added an extra layer of warmth to the celebration.

This was the children's stage.

Through applause, they learned to express themselves; through performance, they built confidence; and with each appearance, they saw their own growth.

The Winter Fair is far more than a single event.

It is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year for children, a night when families come together with the school and with one another, and the most genuine, heartwarming expression of the Wellington community spirit.

Children ran freely beneath the lights; parents relaxed to the music; friends met, talked and reconnected on a winter evening.

That night, we were reminded once again: education is a journey we take together; and a campus is a place built on trust and companionship.

As the music slowly faded and the lights gently dimmed, the Winter Fair came to a close—filled with both reluctance and contentment.

Yet those smiles, songs and encounters have quietly settled into everyone's memories.

Thank you to every child, parent and teacher who took part, and thank you for making this winter night so bright and moving.

The lights will shine again, and the warmth will continue. We look forward to seeing you at next year's Winter Fair.