Across 4 March to 8 March, NLCS (Singapore) hosted a week-long whole-school celebration to recognise World Book Day, an event that is organised by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.
NLCS (Singapore)’s Book Week is dedicated to promoting reading for pleasure, offering every student the opportunity to actively engage with literature including learning about the literary scene in their current context. We believe the true magic of literature unfolds when readers and audiences actively engage with creators. Throughout the week, the students had multiple opportunities to build connections with inspirational authors and performers; by attending workshops, academic lectures, debates and discussions.
During the Book Week Launch on 28 February, a live performance of Macbeth by the Handlebards Theatre Company was screened in the Auditorium. The HandleBards are cycling Shakespearean actors who carry all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, performing extremely energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare plays across the UK. The performance was extremely well-received and the students were excited about the interpretation of the classic Shakespeare work.
On Thursday 7 March, all students and staff were invited to dress up as a character from their favourite book. The purpose of dressing up is to encourage students to share book recommendations with each other; we believe dressing up supported by discussion and reading of the books has the most impact. Prizes were awarded for students who had the most creative costumes. As part of our Service initiative in conjunction with Depot Aid, students and staff were encouraged to make a voluntary donation of $2 or more to participate in the dress-up. The English Department & the Libraries are delighted to announce that from the World Book Day dress-up and bake sale, NLCS (Singapore) raised a grand total of $1107. With the support of Ms Lei, we will be ensuring the proceeds go towards purchasing books for vulnerable students. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this successful event.
We hope that the engaging activities provided to our students at NLCS (Singapore) have served as a wellspring of inspiration. May these experiences, coupled with cherished memories, foster an enduring passion for reading that accompanies them throughout their lives.
