A Night to Remember – Together in Warmth and Celebration

On the evening of 17 January 2026, the Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin sparkled with light and laughter. The Wellington College Education (China)- Tianjin hosted its inaugural Friends of Wellington (FOW) New Year Gala – “FOW Night” – with nearly 100 parents and staff dressed in their finest attire, gathering to share an evening filled with warmth, joy, and community spirit. 

From 5 p.m., guests began to arrive, pausing at the themed backdrop in the foyer to capture the first special New Year memories belonging to the Wellington community. Inside, the ballroom was elegantly decorated with festive touches, while live music created a delightful atmosphere. Lively conversations and laughter quickly filled the room, rekindling the sense of connection among familiar faces.  

In the opening address, a representative of the Parent Committee spoke warmly: “FOW Night is more than a celebration – it is a vivid expression of our ‘home and school working together’ ethos. We are grateful to every member of our community for being here tonight, helping us to write another chapter in Wellington’s story of warmth and togetherness.” 

This gala was far more than a seasonal gathering. It represented a new stage in the maturity and independence of Wellington’s home–school partnership culture. Through the dedicated organisation of FOW, parents have moved from being participants in events to becoming co-leaders and co-creators, embodying the true power of building community together. 

Many parents shared their reflections, describing the evening as the “most welcoming and inclusive” school event they had ever attended. One parent said as they left: “It wasn’t just the joy of the season – it was the genuine feeling that we are part of one big family.” 

At 9:30 p.m., the gala drew to a gentle close amidst music and fond farewells. Yet for the Wellington community, this was not an ending but a new beginning – one that carries warmth, shared understanding, and renewed commitment to working hand in hand to support the education and growth of every Wellington pupil throughout 2026. 

Our heartfelt thanks go to all our guests, to the Parent Committee for their tireless preparation, and to the school team for their constant support. It is because of you that the night shone so brightly, and our community feels so deeply connected. Let us carry these cherished memories and bonds forward, continuing to walk together as we help every Wellingtonian flourish and embrace an even more exciting future. 

At Wellington, we are more than a school – we are a community. 

Until we meet again.