Despite the rush and stress of exams at the beginning of December, students at ETA Natasha Anis’s school were busy with preparations for the school anniversary celebrations, which are held every December. The celebrations last for a full week, and consist of everything from a fashion show, to basketball competitions, English competitions, karaoke, and even a whole bazaar of food all week long! The anniversary is planned by the 11th-grade students, with help from the 10th graders. The theme this year was “Crepolia: The Good Ol’ Days,” a 90s vintage celebration.

Every day, Natasha was excited to head to school and watch whatever event students had planned for the day! The centerpiece of the celebrations was a bazaar, where students had invited different food sellers to set up shop on campus and sell their treats! There was boba, pentol, even tacos and kebabs! Every day, Natasha and her co-teachers would go out to sample a new bazaar food. She got the chance to talk with students about their vacation plans and reflect back on the first semester.

Natasha also attended other events such as the basketball tournament, and even sang with some of the English club students in a karaoke competition!

She was also a guest judge for the English storytelling competition that was hosted by the SMA 10 English Big Family. The contestants were junior high school students from other local schools.

But probably the best part of the anniversary celebration was the closing ceremony, which consisted of traditional and modern performances from students, and then a performance from a local Indonesian artist. The celebrations were the best way to end a full first semester at SMAN10!

Natasha Anis is currently teaching at SMAN 10 Samarinda, East Kalimantan.