More than 120 members of the Viewpoint community gathered on October 10 at the Calabasas Country Club to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, one of the most cherished holidays in Chinese culture. The afternoon offered a joyful blend of community and connection as families gathered to honor this meaningful tradition.

The celebration was a true labor of love, led by Myra Chen, Chair of the Mandarin-Speaking Community and a member of the Board of Trustees. She was joined by parent volunteers Natalie Sun, Jamie Lee, Alice Gong, Angela Liu, Kaili Xiao, Helen He, Maggie Chen, and Angela Wang, whose efforts helped bring the festival to life.

For Chen, the event was more than a gathering, it was a chance to share the beauty and meaning of a tradition that holds deep significance for her.

“To me, the Mid-Autumn Festival represents connection, belonging, and continuity. It’s about celebrating our roots while embracing a broader world — values that mirror Viewpoint’s own commitment to being world ready,” said Chen. “Having Viewpoint leaders represented at the event was especially meaningful because it shows that our school doesn’t just support cultural traditions; it celebrates them as part of who we are.”

The festival drew strong support from school leadership and the wider Viewpoint community. Head of School Mark McKee, members of the Board of Trustees, Chief Belonging and Community Officer Patricia Jackson, and Mandarin faculty joined families in honoring the occasion. The event featured cultural performances, children’s activities, and traditional treats such as mooncakes, along with colorful lanterns and tanghua (sugar painting) demonstrations.

“One of the most memorable moments was when the drone lifted into the sky, capturing a panoramic view of the Calabasas Country Club — the golden afternoon light, the serene landscape, and our entire community gathered together, waving with joy,” shared Chen. “That image — families side by side, laughter in the air — perfectly symbolized what the Mid-Autumn Festival means to us: unity, gratitude, and togetherness. It was a reminder that even far from our country of origin, we can create new traditions and shared memories that connect us as one community.”

The afternoon captured Viewpoint’s mission in action: families, students, and school leaders joining together in celebration of connection, belonging, and shared tradition.

“As a parent and board member, I feel deeply grateful to see our Mandarin-speaking families, students, and school leaders come together in such a joyful and inclusive way,” Chen said. “It was a reminder that our children can grow with confidence and pride in both cultures, shining brightly in a diverse world."