Contributed by:
Liu Yanping, Alumni parent (Ashley and Crystal's mother,
admitted in 2007, graduated from the High School in 2017)
In 2008, the second year since the school was established, the very first Hundred Families Banquet was held in honour of Teacher’s Day. The celebration was inspired by Founder and Executive Deputy Chairman Philip Sohmen’s advocation of showing appreciation for teaching staff. Thus, the PTA set up the Hundred Families Banquet to give thanks to teachers from all the parents on Teacher’s Day. The PTA decided to make this event special by asking the parents to cook the dishes for the event themselves.
After the first banquet received rave reviews from teachers, the founders, and parents alike, it quickly became a Pao School annual tradition. Over time, the event evolved into a celebration of traditional and authentic homestyle cooking, alongside other cultural traditions from around China and the world. For instance, the Songjiang campus featured hot dishes made onsite and musical performances by students. Eventually, the event became known affectionately as the Hundred Families Banquet. Over the years, the banquet has grown in different ways, for example WeStudios, a Middle School student design club, created a stylish logo for the event.
Not only is the Hundred Families banquet a celebration of great food, it also marks the beginning of the new school year. Parents from all three campuses can showcase their talents, with the PTA gives acting as a bridge between parents and the school. As they enjoy the delicious home-cooked dishes that are rich in variety, taste and colour, the teachers can feel the warm sense of community at Pao School, alongside the deep respect for teachers – an integral part of Chinese culture.
Not only is the Hundred Families banquet a celebration of great food, it also marks the beginning of the new school year. Parents from all three campuses can showcase their talents, with the PTA gives acting as a bridge between parents and the school. As they enjoy the delicious home-cooked dishes that are rich in variety, taste and colour, the teachers can feel the warm sense of community at Pao School, alongside the deep respect for teachers – an integral part of Chinese culture.
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