KIST comes alive each year towards the end of October with a colorful celebration that is the result of weeks of careful planning by our entire school community—parents, staff and students.
KISTival, the annual school festival, is the largest and most important fundraising activity held during the school year. Several thousand visitors pass through the gate each year into a fantastic world of witches, ghosts, Halloween pumpkins and a host of other amazing characters. Visitors enjoy a range of multicultural foods at the world food court as well as shops and bazaars; a games arcade; live entertainment with performances by students, staff, parents and special guests; and the always popular grand raffle with amazing prizes, in addition to activities such as face painting and nail art. A costume competition is also held and prizes are awarded in various categories.
Money raised during KISTival is put towards the purchase of learning materials that benefit all students in the school such as library resources, computers, art and science supplies, musical instruments or sporting equipment, or it is put towards specific projects aimed at improving the general learning environment or school facilities. Because of this, the entire school community works very hard to ensure the festival’s success in order to raise as much money as possible.
To enable families to contribute and share responsibilities as equally as possible, it is an expectation that all parents/guardians work together to organize grade-level booths or attractions through participation with pre-festival preparations and on-the-day attendance and booth support. Those unable to assist prior to or on the day of the festival may make a monetary donation in lieu of participation. In this way, KISTival brings the school together towards a common goal each year and strengthens the community as a whole.
KISTival is open to all families and friends of KIST as well as members of the general public. Admission is free.
*Due to construction of our new school building, KISTival will not be held in 2020 or 2021. In its place, however, a separate event for the whole school will be held. Details will be announced at a later date.
KISTival trivia
- The name “KISTival” was introduced in 2010. Prior to this, the event was referred to simply as the “School Festival” (with the exception of 2009 when it was called “K. Festa”).
- A school festival was held every year since the school’s founding until 2019. In 2017, however, a special event called “K.20 Celebration” was held in place of KISTival to commemorate the school’s 20th anniversary. In 2020, KISTival was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
