The final Monthly TREAT-chat in the First Semester of the 2025-26—our special End-of-Term Garden Party—was held with great success on November 21, 2025. This is our most joyful TREAT-chat yet, not only did the treats remain delightful, but the gathering was also blessed with beautiful weather, a vibrant atmosphere, and the enthusiastic participation of both students and staff.
Around 250 members of the Faculty community, including students and colleagues, gathered in the Centennial Garden to enjoy good company, delicious snacks and drinks, as well as the chance to soak up the sunshine. Many participants, a few of them even bringing their own picnic mats, took the opportunity to unwind themselves amidst the garden’s greenery. Some expressed that it was their first time visiting the garden and were delighted by its peaceful and welcoming ambiance.
The TREAT-chats have evolved since this academic year by not only offering relaxation and recharging oneself from the “treats”, interactive activities and mini games have been introduced onsite to encourage the “chat”. Following the success of similar activities in September and October 2025, the popular Tic-Tac-Task Challenge was featured in the November gathering with small prizes drawing students’ participation and enthusiasm.
The Garden Party received more than 20 pieces of feedback, with average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 from students and 4.3 out of 5 from staff. These encouraging responses affirm the core purpose of our TREAT-chats: to create spaces where students and staff feel welcome, connected, and supported as part of a larger Faculty community throughout the academic year. Such positive feedback is a tremendous morale booster for the team as we look forward to future TREAT-chats and other wellbeing activities.