October 12

SHINE Festival 2026: There Is a Star in Every Child

SHINE Festival is Maitri School’s signature biennial event, inspired by our belief that “There is a Star in Every Child.”  The festival aims to provide an authentic platform for students to showcase their unique talents, strengths, skills and achievements developed through their Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). Beyond celebrating their accomplishments, SHINE seeks to build students’ confidence, encourage self-expression and recognise the potential of every child to shine in their own way.

First held on 1 October 2026, in conjunction with Children’s Day celebrations, the festival brought together students, staff, families and community partners for a joyful celebration featuring performances, hands-on activities, games and shared experiences. It also provided opportunities for families to celebrate their children's achievements, strengthen family bonds and foster a greater sense of belonging within the school community.\

Venerable Shi You Guang, Chairperson for the School Management Committee (SMC) together with other members: Mr Ee Tiang Hwee, Ms Felicia Wee, Mr Peter Lim, and Mrs Lisa Goh, graced the event with their presence.  Their support made the occasion even more meaningful as they joined us in celebrating our students' talents and achievements.  We are deeply grateful for their encouragement and unwavering commitment to helping our students shine.

CCA Showcase

The day began with performances by our various CCAs.  Circus Arts and Dance Pop took to the stage at the school hall, while Angklung and Handbell showcased their musical talents in the school canteen.  Adding to the excitement, a special Magic Show delighted audiences with its captivating performances.  Art Start and Makers' Studio CCA students also showcased their creativity through hands-on activities, including beaded keychain and bracelet-making, as well as a sewing machine demonstration.

These performances and showcases gave our students a platform to build confidence, express their creativity, connect with peers and adults, and celebrate the progress they have made through their CCAs, serving as a true reflection of their growth and achievements.

Carnival Event

Everyone gathered at the carnival event to enjoy a variety of activities, including tabletop games, a sand art corner, bouldering, and bouncy castles.  There were plenty of treats to enjoy as well, from Milo and popcorn to ice cream and cotton candy.  Adding to the fun, students collected stamps on a token card and redeemed a surprise gift after collecting four stamps from different activity stations, creating a joyful and memorable celebration for all.

Seniors from SunLove Day Activity Centre @ Eunos joined us in celebrating the Shine Festival, bringing warmth, joy, and a wonderful sense of community spirit.

They enthusiastically participated in four specially designed activities: the Tongs Flip Challenge, Fish Flipping Game, Adapted Bocce, and Arts and Crafts.  These activities were thoughtfully adapted to encourage active participation, promote motor coordination, and create opportunities for meaningful interactions between our students and the seniors, fostering connection across generations.

Interested seniors also had the opportunity to participate in a sewing activity hosted by Makers' Studio, where they engaged alongside our students in a shared creative experience.

Beyond the fun and laughter, this intergenerational engagement provided a valuable platform for our students to demonstrate kindness, patience, respect, and social interaction skills, while fostering a stronger sense of connection with the wider community.

It was heartwarming to witness generations coming together to learn from one another, build meaningful connections and create lasting memories through simple yet purposeful activities.

Community Walk at Bedok Reservoir

In conjunction with Telok Kurau Primary School's 100th Anniversary, Maitri School was invited to participate in a community walk at Bedok Reservoir.  Students from Outdoor Adventure, Bocce, and Gymnastics took part alongside staff and family members.

The walk provided our students with an opportunity to participate in a large-scale community event alongside students from Telok Kurau Primary School, helping them build confidence and foster social connections.  Upon completing the walk, our students returned to school to rejoin the Shine Festival with their peers and families.

Roxy Foundation donated $10,000 to Maitri School to support future developments and enhance learning opportunities for our students.

Conclusion

Shine Festival is built on the belief that there is a star in every child. This star represents each child’s unique potential, which can be nurtured and realised through the right programmes and interventions designed to support and empower them to learn.  Guided by this belief, we recognise every child has something meaningful to contribute and deserves opportunities to perform, explore, and connect with others, both within the school and in the wider community.

As the inaugural Shine Festival, this event provided Maitri School with a meaningful platform to celebrate what our students can do, while honouring the growth, progress, and journey of each of them.  Looking back on this special day, we are proud to have come together as a community to celebrate every student's achievement and the unique light they bring to our school and beyond.

SHINE Festival Committee


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