Lunar New Year

A Celebration of Community and New Beginnings

On Monday 23 February, our school marked the Lunar New Year with a joyful luncheon held in the Dining Room. The event was created especially for our international students, giving them a chance to gather, enjoy traditions, and begin the year with a strong sense of belonging.

From the moment students arrived, the Dining Room felt different; bright, festive, and welcoming. Lanterns added colour and warmth around the space, and red packets were displayed as part of the decorations, setting the tone for a celebration centred on blessing and new beginnings. It was a simple set-up, but it made the room feel like more than a lunch venue; it felt like a place where culture was recognised and celebrated.

We were also grateful to have staff join us, showing their support and interest in the occasion. Thank you to Mr Bond (Principal), Mr Avram (Head of Secondary School), Mrs Kotzé (Head of International Students), Mrs Lewis (Admissions Director), Ms Luna Li (Homestay Coordinator) and Mrs Jessie Li (International Student Coordinator) for taking the time to attend. Having leadership and support staff present made the lunch feel even more meaningful, reminding students that their traditions matter to the whole community.

The highlight, of course, was the food. Dumplings were served and shared; warm, comforting, and perfect for the occasion. In many families, dumplings are part of Lunar New Year because they represent good fortune, and there was something special about sharing them together here at school. A huge thank you goes to our Year 9 and 10 student volunteers who helped cook the dumplings. Your effort, teamwork, and willingness to serve others made the day possible, and your help turned a simple meal into something memorable.

What stood out most was the atmosphere: laughter, conversation, and the kind of relaxed happiness that comes when people feel seen. For students who may be far from home, Lunar New Year can be a time of mixed emotions; missing family while wanting to celebrate; so it was encouraging to create a space where students could celebrate together and feel supported.

To add to the celebration, we prepared red packets for students. Each red packet included gold chocolate coins as a festive treat, along with a Bible verse to offer encouragement and hope for the year ahead. Red packets traditionally symbolise good wishes and blessing, and it was a small way to share that spirit with everyone who attended.

Events like this also help us learn from one another. Whether students grew up celebrating Lunar New Year or were experiencing it for the first time, the lunch offered a chance to ask questions, share stories, and appreciate the diversity within our school.

The lunch was a reminder that community is built in shared moments; through food, tradition, and people choosing to show up for one another. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped, and supported the event. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the cultures within our school and creating more opportunities like this in the future.

Jonathan Tan

International Captain