Written by Ysabelle Nina Moralde of G9-Excellence
Photos from SmartClass YEP Participants
There was excitement in the air as the SmartClass community gathered at the NTC Social Hall in Quiapo, Manila, to celebrate the highly awaited Year-End Party. This was a party to remember through the colorful interaction, communal meals, and unforgettable performances. It was a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and festive cheer, making it the biggest holiday event yet for SmartClass.
This was the first holiday event to include Kindergarten to Grade 10 students, as previous celebrations were exclusive to Junior High School. With SmartClass expanding to offer homeschooling for K-6 this school year, the event welcomed a much larger community than ever before.
The hybrid event kicked off at 11 AM with icebreaker activities designed to connect students across different grade levels. Online attendees engaged in a lively game of Hangman, while those attending in person took part in a heartwarming activity where they wrote wishes and kind words for each other on sticky notes. The room was soon filled with laughter and warm sentiments, setting the perfect tone for the day.
Following this, the festival commenced with an engaging workshop organized by the Performing and Multimedia Arts Club. The audience had a lively and interactive session, expressing themselves in music, dance, and multimedia arts. Face-to-face attendees crafted their ornaments and decorated the community Christmas tree, proudly showcasing their work while donning handcrafted crowns. Meanwhile, online participants shared their ornaments virtually, proving that distance was no barrier to creativity. The best three crowns and ornaments earned cash prizes and loot bags, adding an exciting competitive edge to the fun.
Lunch was another highlight, as students enjoyed their meals together—McDonald’s and Jollibee for in-person attendees and virtual attendees dining together via video call. The gathering fostered a strong sense of community, allowing classmates, friends, and PLAs to bond in a warm, family-like atmosphere.
After lunch, the Year-End Party festivities went into full swing with simultaneous virtual and in-person games that had everyone on their feet. The highlight of the day was the event proper, featuring engaging performances, inspiring messages from mentors, and interactive games that brought everyone together. Laughter and cheers filled the venue as the students immersed themselves in activities that fostered a sense of community and celebration. The celebration continued with special performances, where talented students showcased their skills in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Then came a much-anticipated tradition—gift exchange—followed by a grand potluck merienda featuring an abundance of treats, from pizza to donuts and cakes, satisfying everyone's sweet tooth.
In Photo: NTC SmartClass Virtual and Face-to-Face attendees surely having fun!
The event would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the Homeschool Support Committee, who generously provided prizes for all the winners, both online and in person. Special thanks were also extended to the PLAs for bringing delicious food, the SMEs for organizing and hosting games, the Student Council for leading one of the games, and the Performing and Multimedia Arts Club for facilitating the ornament workshop and coordinating the special performances.
The festivities concluded with heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all who participated and contributed to the event’s success. Organizers acknowledged the efforts of the HSC officers, volunteers, and performers for making the celebration a memorable one. The event served as a reminder of the strength of the community and the joy that comes from coming together.
As the event wrapped up at 5 PM, the true essence of the celebration became clear—no matter the age differences, no matter the mode of participation, the SmartClass community came together as one. It was not just a party; it was a testament to the unity, joy, and spirit of learning that defines NTC SmartClass. With the joyous Year-End Party marking the close of another successful academic year, the SmartClass community looks forward to more exciting events in the coming year. “This gathering was a wonderful way to celebrate our achievements and strengthen our bond as a learning community,” shared one of the attendees. Many left the event feeling inspired and motivated, carrying with them the memories of a fantastic celebration.