Chinese and Lunar New Year

Over the last two weeks, we have been celebrating Lunar New Year across the school and were thrilled to share the celebrations with our community at a special assembly today! A number of students joined Ms Morgan and myself in presenting to our audience, including Nicholas (4CG), Noah (5RZ), Lucy (5AJ) and Lucy (2CU) who shared a 'Happy New Year' greeting in their home language (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Taiwanese), and two of our international students, Emily and Eric, who shared how they celebrate Chinese New Year. If you were unable to attend, please enjoy the below words from some of our fantastic assembly speakers:

Engy, Sam and Astin, ENPS School Captains 

At ENPS, as global learners and leaders, we always show respect and appreciate  different cultural celebrations around the world. 

 

For the last two weeks, students have been engaging in a variety of fun, authentic, and creative learning experiences in learning spaces, during Mandarin sessions, Visual Arts, and lunchtime clubs. 

 

We have learned that different cultures celebrate the New Year in unique ways, such as the Lion Dance in Chinese culture, fireworks and feasts in many countries, and special traditions that bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. 

Emily and Eric, Year Five

Emily:  Hi, my name is Emily, and this is my brother Eric. We are in Year Five. We have been in Australia for three weeks.  We were born in China. 

Eric: We celebrate Chinese New Year by watching television ‘Chong Wan’ as a family and we sit down and have a special dinner together. 

Eric and Emily: Happy New Year!

Taira, Year Three

Hi, my name is Taira. I am in Year 3KO. My family is from Japan, but I was born in Australia. Yesterday, we learned how different cultures celebrate New Year's Eve. I found out that during Chinese New Year, people wear dragon costumes, dance, sing, and light fireworks to celebrate.

Xavier, Year Three

Hi, my name is Xavier. I am in 3SM. Today, I will explain why the Snake is important in the Chinese zodiac. In the Chinese calendar, the year is not 2025 but 4723!

The Snake is a symbol of wisdom, mystery, and awareness. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be smart, deep thinkers, and good at solving problems. The Snake also represents good luck and strength in Chinese culture.

Madison, Year Three

My name is Madison. I am in 3SM. We learned about the Lion Dance for New Year's Eve. The Lion Dance is an important tradition in Chinese culture. It is performed to bring good luck, happiness, and chase away bad spirits. The dancers wear colourful lion costumes and move to the beat of drums and cymbals. It was exciting to learn about this special celebration!

Creations across school in celebration of Lunar New Year also included Foundation students' beautiful patterns and designs created together during play investigations, Year Three students' amazing Lunar New Year pieces and Visual Arts students' simply magnificent colourful snake collaboration!

At ENPS we are proud to provide authentic cultural learning experiences and encourage community engagement and inclusiveness. We wish all our ENPS families prosperity and peace for the coming year!