As we look back on March, Garden International School proudly celebrates the success of our annual reading events — The Big Read and Book Week. These two events overlap, creating an even more vibrant and impactful atmosphere of literary exploration and creativity within our community.
This year’s theme, “Explore with Others, Discover Yourself,” truly encapsulated the spirit of our community as students, staff, and parents who came together to foster a love for reading and to support a worthy cause.
The Big Read 2024: A Month of Literary Adventure
The Big Read, running from 5th February to 8th March 2024, is a sponsored reading initiative involving EYC (Early Years) through Year 13 students. It aims to instil a habit of regular reading among students and encourage them to read more. All funds raised from this initiative are directed towards the school’s chosen charity, JREC. JREC is dedicated to supporting Rohingya refugees through the education of their children, engagement with the wider community, health outreach, skills training, and recruitment of teachers and volunteers.
Our collective efforts yielded remarkable results:
- Incredible Participation: Students from every year group participated, demonstrating their dedication to reading and their commitment to supporting JREC
- Fundraising Success: Through their reading and sponsorship efforts, we raised an impressive total of RM 59,118, which will directly benefit JREC’s six schools, providing much-needed books and library resources.
- Community Engagement: The event fostered a stronger sense of community within GIS as students, parents, and staff rallied together for a common cause.
Book Week 2024: Celebrating Stories and Creativity
Book Week, held from 4th to 8th March 2024, is a week-long celebration of books and related events. Activities include lunchtime reading sessions, library games, a best-dressed competition, and book sales from renowned bookstores such as MPH, PUJ, and Oyez!Books. The week culminated in a festive dress-up day on Friday, 8th March 2024.
Activities highlights:
- Author Talks
- Matt Dickinson: Year 9 students had the opportunity to engage with Matt Dickinson, an award-winning filmmaker and writer. His online session was inspiring and provided a unique insight into the world of storytelling.
- Margriet Ruurs: Years 3 and 4 welcomed Margriet Ruurs, a Canadian children’s author. Her visit was filled with tales of her adventures and writing journeys, captivating young minds.
- Cassandra Wye: International storyteller Cassandra Wye enchanted Years 1, 7, and 8 with her dynamic storytelling, bringing stories from around the world to our classrooms.
- Lim Lay Koon: Our Early Years Centre enjoyed delightful sessions with Lim Lay Koon, a talented Malaysian author and illustrator.
- We also welcomed book vendors such as MPH, Oyez!Books, and PUJ, offering a wide selection of books in various languages, providing something for both students and parents to choose from.
Reflecting on a Successful Event
Key Takeaways:
- Enhanced Reading Culture: The events have reinforced the importance of reading within our community, inspiring students to continue exploring different genres and authors.
- Charitable Impact: The funds raised will make a substantial difference in the lives of Rohingya refugee children, highlighting the power of community and compassion.
- Memorable Experiences: From engaging with authors to participating in creative competitions, students had numerous opportunities to express their creativity and develop a deeper appreciation for literature.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported The Big Read and Book Week 2024. Your enthusiasm and generosity made this year’s events truly special. We look forward to another successful Book Week next year!
We’d be thrilled to welcome your children to our diverse and nurturing GIS community. If you have any questions, our friendly admissions team is here to assist you. Submit your application today and embark on an exciting educational journey with us!
