Oh, what at night, at Night on the Green 2026!

Our 11th annual Night on the Green was a truly memorable evening for the Encounter community, as an estimated 2,000 students, families, staff, old scholars and friends gathered together on Friday 20 February for one of the most anticipated events on the College calendar. We were blessed with a beautiful evening, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxed picnic atmosphere filled with laughter, connection and celebration.

Night on the Green continues to be a cherished tradition at Encounter, offering a special opportunity for our community to come together beyond the classroom to celebrate all that makes our College such a welcoming and vibrant place. The evening was a wonderful reflection of our motto, “Looks like school, feels like home,” as families spread out across the College oval to enjoy great food, entertainment and the company of one another.

A highlight of the evening was the outstanding entertainment line-up, which showcased the incredible talents of our students and performers. From the Junior School Choir and energetic dance items, to solo vocal performances, ensembles and the Senior Band, the stage was alive with creativity and enthusiasm. Special guest entertainers, including 'The Amazing Drumming Monkeys', added to the festive atmosphere, keeping younger audience members engaged and smiling throughout the evening, before the night concluded with a fantastic live set from 'Day Street' that had the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Our Encounter stalls were once again a huge success, with students and staff enthusiastically hosting a wide range of activities and food options, including the petting zoo, beauty salon, sweet treats, popcorn, sushi, jumping castle and the ever-popular Wurst Haus German sausages. The Wellbeing Team’s Chill Out Zone also provided a welcoming space for families to relax and unwind. These stalls not only added to the vibrant atmosphere but also highlighted the strong sense of involvement and pride across all year levels.

We were also delighted to partner with a variety of local food vendors, offering something for everyone — from coffee and sweet treats, to BBQ, burgers, nacho bowls, fish and chips, acai and more. Their support helped create a diverse and enjoyable food experience that was greatly appreciated by attendees.

Events such as Night on the Green are only possible because of the dedication and teamwork of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the ongoing support of our families and wider community. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy and creativity to make the evening such a success, as well as to our stall holders, entertainers and vendors for partnering with us.

Most importantly, thank you to our Encounter community for once again embracing this event with such warmth and spirit. It was a joy to see so many families connecting, celebrating and enjoying time together in such a positive and welcoming environment.

We look forward with great excitement to continuing this much-loved tradition and can’t wait to welcome our community back for Night on the Green in 2027.