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Catch a glimpse of the YCKSS staff community coming together through festive gatherings, themed lunches, and fun activities that celebrate shared joy and camaraderie.

Last updated 6 August 2026

Fruit Galore: For durian lovers or not?

On 7 January, the school canteen was morphed into a fruit paradise where colleagues gathered to catch up after the year-end holidays over Fruit Galore!

The star of the show was none other than the king of fruits: durian! Its distinctive aroma wafted through the canteen, attracting durian devotees to brave the robust scent just to be rewarded with the rich, creamy goodness inside. Those who scrunched up their noses flocked to the delightful spread of other fruits. Amid bites of sweet, juicy fruits and playful jokes about who could handle the durian ‘power’, the staff reconnected, laughed, and shared stories from the holidays.

Four women wearing hijabs sit together at a canteen table with food and a water bottle, smiling at the camera.

This gathering of fruity chaos was a perfect reminder: Sometimes, the best moments are casual, fruity, and shared with good company.

Black Gold or Golden Kiwis?

"Your Choice. Your Delight!"

— Annonymous

Every year, fruit lovers are faced with an irresistible dilemma: a life choice that stirs the taste buds.

Boxes of the "King of Fruits" packed and ready for pickup

On 30 July 2025, a much-welcomed message was dropped, hinting at the arrival of two seasonal treasures. The air grew thick with anticipation, and the mood quickly shifted into high gear.

Some made a beeline for the Heritage Gallery with like-minded colleagues, eager to savour the king of fruits—the rich, creamy Black Gold.

A man holding a durian with an old lady looking at the camera while 2 ladies are picking at their durians.

Others scrunched up their noses at its potent aroma and cheerfully quipped, “Enjoy the king of fruits,” before turning to claim a crown jewel—the tangy-sweet Zespri golden kiwi.

The liberty of choice has transformed the school into a stage for this cherished ritual of flavour and friendly rivalry.

4 ladies smiling for the camera with their durians.

Staff Appreciation Week: Grateful Moments, Lasting Impact

“It’s my life~~~”

— Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi's song rang out as the principal joined in the groove, signaling the official yet fun start of the Staff Appreciation Lunch. With the microphone in hand, groups eagerly showcased their unique identities – flaunting glossy balloons, rocking cool shades, or sporting bandana scarves. The royal blue attire, paired with tiaras or songkoks, added a dash of flair, as everyone embraced the theme of ‘Be Yourself.’

Two collaged photos: people at a registration table on the left, and three smiling adults posing together on the right.

Nine people wearing hats and sunglasses pose at a 2024 Staff Appreciation event around a dining table.

Two group photos of people wearing dark clothing and sunglasses, seated and standing at dining tables indoors.

A group of people in colorful traditional attire dining together at round tables in a restaurant.

Two photos: a group of ten people posing at a dining table, and a group toasting drinks together at a restaurant.

Two group photos at a dinner gathering; bottom group wears colorful masquerade masks around a round table.

Three photos of groups of people seated at round tables during a banquet event in a large hall.

As the delectable eight-course feast unfolded, the room buzzed with excitement, spurred on by a battery of games. Fearless and fun-loving souls dressed up as Albert Einstein, Ninja Turtle, Phua Chu Kang, Wonder Woman or Pikachu with whatever their tablemates could find.

The invitees also uncovered each other's hidden talents and passions: Who blesses people with self-made pineapple tarts? Who is an intrepid traveler and converses in Japanese effortlessly? Whose home is a kitty paradise?

Whether or not you know these answers, the YCKSS family was awestruck by the versatility and delightful surprises of those in the very same room. Even the conventional lucky draw had an uncannily unconventional twist, leaving everyone beaming as winners of vouchers, big wads or not.

People in costumes with paper masks, fake mustaches, and props at a fun group event.

Three event photos showing costumed participants posing and performing in a conference room with a projection screen.

Thanks to the hilariously funny emcees, laughter and cheers permeated the venue, filling Holiday Inn @ Atrium with a sense of camaraderie that truly defined the luncheon on 28 August.

Man in blue shirt and decorative cap holds microphone beside smiling woman in black jacket and jeans at an Appreciation Day event.

But the luncheon was not the only highlight! In the days leading up to the event, cards of gratitude and gifts of choice – epitomising the SPICEY framework – were lovingly handed out, radiating warmth and sending a pellucidly clear message to every member of the YCKSS family: You are never alone in this.

Mini Durian Delights

The air buzzed with anticipation when a hint of its presence was dropped through a text message. Upon its arrival, the atmosphere intensified; some rushed up to it with their like-minded colleagues, while others scrunched up their noses yet politely declined, saying, ‘I would give it a miss.’ It is none other than the king of fruits – durian!

Two photos of groups of adults sitting at pink-covered round tables with food, smiling at the camera indoors.

Four women sit at wooden tables smiling, each with open containers of yellow durian fruit in front of them.

On the 28th of June 2024, staff were greeted by the strong and distinct aroma of durians. Enthusiasts revelled in its rich and creamy texture, especially in the company of other durian lovers at the Heritage Gallery. Whether the unique aroma elicited adoration or aversion, everyone had either the king of fruits or other delectable fruits to savour that day. While durians may reign supreme in the hearts of many fruit lovers, they did not overshadow the significance of the shared experience among us in the teaching fraternity.

Durian fruit being prepared and packed into many white plastic containers arranged in rows on a long table.

Embracing the Spirit of Hari Raya

Hari Raya festivities are synonymous with an exquisite array of culinary delights. It was no exception this year, with the primary aim of fostering YCKSS familial ties. On 19 April, as the aroma of tantalising lunch filled the air, it set the perfect backdrop for colleagues to engage in hearty conversations amidst their busy lives.

Photos of staff smiling while exchanging items.

Gathered in the cozy comfort of the Dance Studio 2, we revelled in the light-hearted stories steeped in history and practices of Muslims. While it culminated in quizzes that challenged our knowledge and wit, the winners brought home some mementos that served as vivid reminders of the generosity and inclusivity embedded within the Muslim culture.

A speaker presents to a large seated audience in a hall; separately, people queue at a food buffet table.

A large crowd of people seated at round tables in a hall, facing a projected screen at the front.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2024

To usher in the Year of the Dragon, all YCKSS staff convened in a calligraphy session on 2 February 2024. Empowered with creative autonomy, everyone carefully and meticulously penned auspicious words of their choice and engaged in the delicate art of paper cutting, reflecting personalised aspirations. The celebration would not be complete without the venerable tradition of Lo Hei on 16 February 2024, when a myriad of ingredients were tossed with one collective purpose: ringing in peace and prosperity in the coming year.

People practicing Chinese calligraphy on red paper at a communal event, shown in three side-by-side photos.

People at tables holding and creating red Chinese calligraphy papers with the character Fu during a festive event.

Three photos showing Chinese New Year calligraphy being written on red paper, and a festive display board with dragon decorations.

Three photos of a communal hall event where people toss a colorful salad dish using chopsticks at round tables.

Groups of people gather around pink-clothed round tables in a hall, tossing and sharing food together.