The XLIS 2021 Summer Fair and Concert was held on Saturday May 29th, 2021. A true XLIS tradition, this year’s Summer Fair was full of surprises and memorable moments!
The day began with the arrival of students, parents, and our special guests. As the crowd grew larger, Dr. David Li Zhi Jun, the Director of Xian’s Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology, and the Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs, graced the stage with an encouraging bi-lingual speech, which focused on collaboration and the development of local and foreign talents. Soon after, XLIS’ Head of School Dr. Liu, was invited to inaugurate this unique community gathering. Dr. Liu expressed her gratitude and invited the audience to explore the Sustainable Development Goals’ booths created by our secondary school students, as well as the numerous academic displays set up around our courtyard and athletic field.
Mr. Wang Bing, the Head of the Foreign Experts Services Division delighted the crowd by announcing that our Primary Principal Mr. Lalor had been awarded the Excellent Foreign Expert Award in response to his contributions to Xi’an city as a foreign educator. Mr. Li Zhijun and Dr. Liu welcomed Mr. Lalor to the stage to receive this commendable award.
In addition, Mr. Li Zhijun kindly donated books to our students who then, along with three local students from the Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology, read poems about the meaning of “China”.
It was now time to celebrate and our XLIS students took over the stage under the careful supervision of our Performing Arts Director, Mr. Kim. The audience cheered to a myriad of performances showcasing the importance that XLIS and the IB curriculum framework place on the arts. The Visual Arts were also represented in our exhibit. The art works of our primary and secondary students were in full display at our Blue Dragon Theater Lobby creating a colorful and inviting atmosphere.
Year after year, our Summer Fair also features an international buffet of delicacies provided by our sponsors. Revelers enjoyed food from around the world provided by Samsung, Gran Melia, Westin, Bayern Restaurant, Latin Tribe, Amber Palace, ADEN, and our Korean PTA members. Our students enjoyed a giant bouncy castle, arts, crafts, and experienced being risk-takers by taking part in our “open-mic” sessions after the official performances ended. It was a day to remember, spent under the blue skies of Xi’an’s summer!
Author: Alex Rambaud (Vice Principal)
