In Mandarin class this week, we also tried a lot of traditional Chinese crafts. The red couplet written in Chinese calligraphy, which is called “Chun lian” is one of the most popular decorations in the Chinese New Year. Year 6 standard group used the Chinese painting brush to make Chun lian in class. The Chinese character “吉” means lucky and Year 1 students learned to cut 吉 in paper. The students also made paper lanterns and did Chinese New Year painting in Mandarin lessons.
On the February 2nd the Secondary Chinese New Year Assembly started with a lively lion dance performed by Joohan Bae and his crew, which immediately lit up the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. It was followed by Ashley Fung and Ticiano Gao’s introduction of Chinese New Year traditions and Tim Chan’s fantastic documentary. Both definitely enriched everyone’s understanding of Chinese New Year. Also featured in the assembly were a Cantonese song, guzheng performance by Sylvia Wintersperger and the IB choir’s fabulous performances, all of which allowed us to enjoy the beauty of Chinese music.
Finally, the whole assembly finished with a cheerful sing-along –“gongxi gongxi”. Every student and staff member in Secondary school wished each other a very happy Chinese New Year through their singing.
Sherry Zhao, Carmel Shu and Grace Huang
Mandarin Department