This weekend, Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WASHK) held its very first annual Dove Day, a cherished community celebration that brings together pupils, parents, and staff in a joyful day of connection and service.
Named in honour of Dame Frances Dove, founder of Wycombe Abbey UK and a pioneer of education and female leadership, the event embodies her enduring belief in education as a force for good. Building on this legacy, WASHK introduced Dove Day this year to celebrate compassion and contribution – values that continue to define our school.
This year’s theme, “All Around the World,” transformed the Tin Wan campus into a lively, multicultural celebration. From colourful banners and music to international games and cuisines, the day reflected the diversity and unity of the WASHK community.
A Day of Culture, Creativity, and Celebration
The morning began with great energy as families gathered in the Atrium for the Opening Ceremony. Mr. Fox shared the history of Dove Day, introduced this year’s “Around the World” theme, and set the stage for an inspiring, fun day ahead. Across campus, pupils and parents explored over 45 game booths, stalls, and workshops. Each class had designed their own stall — from ring tosses and beanbag challenges to trivia games, art corners, and cultural quizzes. In the creative workshops, children painted lanterns, made friendship bracelets, and learned simple dances from around the world.
The scent of freshly baked treats and international food filled the corridors. Pupils from our Entrepreneurship Programme proudly managed their own drink stands, selling sodas, fruit teas, and juices, turning their classroom learning into real-world experience.
The Open Mic Talent Show showcased a wonderful range of musical performances from pupils across the school, each one met with enthusiastic applause. Meanwhile, on the pitch, cheers rose during the Netball Exhibition Matches, where parents, pupils, and teachers competed together in friendly games that perfectly embodied the spirit of teamwork and fun. There was plenty of outdoor fun as well — from sponge-throwing at teachers to football skill challenges, archery, and more.
Community in Action: Giving Back Through Joy
While Dove Day was filled with laughter and celebration, its heart lay in service. This year, the event raised over HKD 60,000 in support of three meaningful local charities, each selected for their connection to WASHK’s values of empathy and community.
Mei Ngar Bakery (Tin Wan)
Located just steps away from our campus, Mei Ngar Bakery provides discounted bread to elderly residents in the local community. With proceeds from Dove Day, our KS2 pupils will help fund over two years of bread supplies to distribute to local elderly during weekly deliveries and visits. This initiative allows our students to engage directly with the community around them, learning that service is most powerful when it is personal and hands-on.
ImpactHK
ImpactHK envisions an inclusive Hong Kong where everyone has a place to call home and a supportive community around them. The charity works with people experiencing homelessness, helping them secure housing, rebuild self-esteem, and rediscover purpose. Through Dove Day, WASHK pupils contributed to this mission by raising enough funds for the preparation of over 400 grocery or hygiene packs for people experiencing homelessness across Hong Kong. In doing so, our pupils supported not only practical needs, but also the values of dignity and compassion that form the foundation of our own school community.
TAILS (Team for Animals in Lantau South)
TAILS is an animal welfare organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. During Dove Day, pupils and families had the chance to meet some of the dogs brought to campus by the charity, learning about animal care, fostering, and responsible pet ownership. Proceeds from the event will go toward providing more than 66 foster kits, offering food and essential supplies for rescued animals awaiting adoption — a cause that resonated deeply with our pupils and reminded them that kindness extends beyond humans to all living beings.
Through these partnerships, pupils learned that even small efforts can create lasting impact, whether delivering bread, helping a rescued dog find a home, or supporting someone in need. Dove Day’s spirit of giving turned every booth, game, and smile into a moment of purpose.
The Spirit of Togetherness
As the afternoon drew to a close, the community gathered once more for the Closing Ceremony and the much-anticipated Lucky Draw — a lighthearted finale to a day full of connection and shared joy.
But beyond the excitement of games and performances, the true success of Dove Day lay in the sense of belonging it inspired. Dove Day 2025 was a reflection of who we are as a community. It reminded us that the true meaning of education lies not only in what we learn, but in how we come together to share, give, and grow.
