Celebrations honoring the Year of the Horse continued last week as students, faculty and staff participated in a series of events and activities. Although this week’s two snow days forced the postponement of the hot pot lunch and some other activities, all will be rescheduled as the Lunar New Year celebration continues in all three divisions.
International and Chinese language students gathered to participate in various cultural games and the distribution of red envelopes on Feb. 18 in the Oakwood Room. Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, joined the festivities with faculty, staff and students, who enjoyed dumplings and boba tea. Gerard Gonnella ’89, Director of the International Student Program and Ms. Hua Liu, Director of China Studies, also shared brief remarks at the opening event.
Upper School Chinese III, IV and Honors students at those levels led a song and dance celebration along with band members at Thursday’s meeting block in the Berry Performing Arts Center, Dr. Crafton joined Mrs. Christine Cerminaro, Upper School Head, Mr. Ryan Oliveira, Admission Associate and Athletics Liaison, Mr. Tim Burke, Band Director, and Ms. Liu on stage to unveil the giant Happy Lunar New Year banner.
Chinese IV Honors students joined Lower School students during their Friday assembly time with a series of engaging activities in the AP Room. They created Lunar New Year crafts and played games, including Pin the Tail on the Horse, to commemorate this year’s Lunar New Year theme. Also on Friday, Upper School students Joanna Jian ’26 and Laylay Qian ’27 visited Ms. Alice Zhao’s Middle School Chinese classroom to take part in a cross-division Lunar New Year activity teaching students the art of Chinese painting.
A Lunar New Year celebration in Laidlaw Gym led by the Chinese Culture Club capped the week in festive style. Upper and Middle School students and faculty enjoyed a variety of games and activities including Ring Toss, Golden Beans, Table Tennis, Shuttlecock Kicking and Chinese Painting.