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Before the recent mid-term break, BISP was immersed in the vibrant celebrations of the Chinese New Year, embracing the rich traditions of the Year of the Snake. Throughout the week, students across all year levels engaged in cultural activities that highlighted the significance of this festival. Thanks to the collective efforts of the BISP PTA, the Chinese parent community, and the BISP Modern Language Department, the campus was filled with excitement, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditions.
A Week of Cultural Engagement
Each day of the celebration featured interactive activities that allowed students to explore Chinese customs. Secondary students took part in Jianzi (keepy-uppy game), Chinese calligraphy, and a fridge magnet-making workshop, offering them a hands-on experience with traditional arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the Year 9 Snake-themed art exhibition added a creative and colourful touch to the festivities, paying tribute to the Year of the Snake while showcasing the artistic talents of BISP students.
An Auspicious Celebration for Primary
The 12th of February marked an especially auspicious day, coinciding with the full moon—one of the most significant days of the Chinese New Year. To honour this occasion, primary students were invited to wear red or traditional New Year outfits as they took part in a range of cultural activities throughout the day. The celebrations culminated in the much-anticipated lion dance and assembly, bringing a joyful and festive atmosphere to the campus.
In addition to the various activities, the BISP PTA also hosted a Chinese Market. This event provided an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the rich flavours and traditions of Chinese New Year in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Early Years: A Celebration with Families
In Early Years, the celebrations began with a lively lion dance performance in the garden, which was enjoyed by both children and parents. Following this, families gathered in the pod for a series of engaging activities, kindly organised by a group of Early Years parent volunteers.
The activities included sampling Chinese candy, dumplings, and noodles, and giving children a taste of traditional festival treats. Hands-on paper crafts such as making fish, lanterns, and dragons provided a fun way to explore Chinese symbolism, while children also had the opportunity to learn simple Chinese words and paint Chinese characters. These activities not only created a memorable experience for the children but also deepened their understanding of Chinese culture. BISP extends heartfelt gratitude to the parent volunteers for their incredible efforts in organising such a special event.
Embracing Tradition Together
The Chinese New Year celebrations at BISP once again reflected the spirit of cultural appreciation and community engagement. A sincere thank you goes to the BISP PTA, the Chinese community, and the BISP Modern Language Department for their dedication to making this week so memorable. Their support in organising these events allowed students to experience the richness of Chinese traditions while strengthening our diverse and inclusive school community.
As we look ahead to International Day, we eagerly anticipate another opportunity to celebrate the global cultures that make BISP such a vibrant place of learning.