It’s around this time of year to celebrate the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition. On Wednesday 1 December, the MYP students celebrated with a ‘Surprise’. The surprise is a disguised present, usually in the shape or form of the hobby or characteristic of the classmate they are making it for. Inside a little present is hidden. The students wrote a poem (in English or Dutch) to go with the surprise.
The lounge at the Colijnlaan was transformed into a cosy ‘living room’ with a digital fireplace, where during the Dutch lessons the different classes celebrated Sinterklaas. We were amazed to see some of the creations that were brought in: from giraffes and a castle to sushi or a football. For some children, it was easier than others, but everyone put in the effort and we spent a great afternoon unpacking surprises and gifts, listening to poems and enjoying some chocolate milk and pepernoten.
At ISD primary, Sinterklaas made a digital appearance at the school. Like every year, Sinterklaas brought his big book with information about the children. Sinterklaas was very lucky to get help from a couple of the PYP 7 Pieten.
The students did a range of activities like arts and crafts, singing Sinterklaas songs, dancing, Pietengym and pepernoten-eating games.
We would like to give a big thanks to everyone who made this Sinterklaas celebration happen!