Events

Every November, the elementary school team organizes a lantern parade at McKean, a green and peaceful place in Chiang Mai, not far from the school. The program starts in the late afternoon with a buffet picnic with food provided by the families. Given the variety of nationalities at CDSC, a great feast with a broad variety of treats is served. At nightfall, the lantern procession begins in the chapel and proceeds through the small pedestrian streets of the McKean campus. Afterwards, everyone meets for baking bread on a stick over a campfire. This is a special event for all, especially the little ones who love to participate with the lanterns they have so carefully made in class.

Every year, our Advent bazaar takes place on the last day of school before the start of the Christmas vacations. In the afternoon, school classes, some parents and friends of the CDSC open small stands where they sell Christmas treats such as punch and waffles, home-baked cookies and cookie houses, as well as home-made crafts. There are virtually no limits to creativity here. Apart from the warmer temperatures compared to December in Germany, this creates a really cozy Christmas market atmosphere. The proceeds are donated to a good cause every year. Afterwards, everyone meets in the assembly hall for a Christmas party. The organizing teachers always put together a creative, mostly musical program, in which many students are actively involved.

As common for all schools in Thailand, the CDSC reserves one day each year for celebrating the special traditions of the Thai culture. During this morning, classes are cancelled and the whole school community gathers in the gymnasium for a performance. The teachers and students are clothed with traditional northern Thai dresses – some of them you can hardly recognize. The Thai teachers and employees are available to assist anyone interested in receiving a Thai make-over, including hairstyling and make-up. Each class prepares a small traditional or modern Thai presentation to proudly perform for the school community. The Thai families provide the culinary component for the event by preparing and selling traditional Thai dishes. Special days like this help the non-Thai members of the school community to become more familiar with the culture of their host country.

The Fun Fair with the CDSC flea market is organized by the parent’s board and takes place in May. Besides diverse second-hand goods, cakes, coffee, Thai dishes and other snacks are offered. In order to entertain the kids, a bouncing castle has become a tradition on this special day. A few games are also offered, supervised by older students or teachers. The proceeds are given to the school to fund internal projects.