Parent Teacher Association hosts support staff luncheon to celebrate a successful year of work

January 30, 2019

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Janitorial staff members line up to receive red envelope money from a PTA member. [Natalie S./The Blue & Gold]

By Phoebe C. (’21) and Natalie S. (’21)
On Jan. 29, the support staff of Taipei American School were treated with their last meal of the lunar calendar year provided by the Parent-Teacher Association. At the event, all staff members received either a gift from a raffle or a traditional red envelope on behalf of the PTA.
At the luncheon, the PTA organized traditional Chinese cuisine such as tofu noodles, chicken and fried vegetables for the attending staff. While dining, the staff members watched PTA participants dress in traditional Chinese Cheongsam (qipao) as they performed songs, made jokes and entertained the staff members. PTA member Mrs. Julianna Cheng announced the winners of the raffle tickets that Dr. Richard Hartzell, Mr. John Vandenboom and Mr. Andrew Lowman drew from the box.  
“The luncheon is created to allow the staff to cherish their last great feast provided before the year of the pig arrives,” PTA president Vivian Shen said. Many staff members look forward to this day every year, and one of the most exciting parts is the raffle draw.

Mr. Vandenboom and PTA member Mrs. Julianna Cheng announce raffle ticket winners. [Natalie S./The Blue & Gold]
To other staff members, the luncheon provides a place for socializing among faculty members. “It’s a good time for us to gather together as all staff members are invited, therefore there’s a lot of time for faculty and staff members who don’t usually have the time to just catch up with each other and chat,” athletics and physical trainer Mr. Jerry Chen said.  
“Overall, we just want everyone to have a good time, and enjoy the last moments of the year of the dogs,” Ms. Shen said. This was a time for TAS to give back to the staff at the school and to thank them for all their hard work over the year.