As millions of people come together to celebrate Chinese New Year, these independent schools will be marking the occasion in their own special way
Friday 16th February marks the start of Chinese New Year, and as people from all over the globe come together for two weeks of celebrations, several independent schools are also planning to get in on the action.
Boarding pupils from China or Hong Kong in particular will know that the festival is a wonderful time to take pride in their heritage, culture and traditions, and share these with their friends and fellow students.
At St Francis’ College in Hertfordshire, the staff and students feel it’s important for the Asian boarders to mark the festival in their own way.
“It is so special to their home country,” says Victoria Robeson, who is in charge of International Marketing for the college. “They are thinking of their families and the celebrations they are having, and we are pleased to celebrate with them here.” “the diversity of the community is of great benefit to all”
Last year, the boarders invited their friends to learn about their culture and traditions, giving demonstrations of modern and traditional Chinese dancing, and a music concert involving the Chinese Flute and Pipa.
The girls also hosted a Chinese tea ceremony, taught Chinese calligraphy, ink painting and learned to play the Chinese game, ‘Mah Jong’. The evening culminated in the handing out of traditional...