Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Lunar New Year Celebrations Under the Pines

January 22 marked the start of Lunar New Year, a multi-day celebration that signals the arrival of spring in many Asian cultures. From classroom activities and projects, to art shows and assemblies, all three divisions are taking part in celebrating and learning more about the holiday and its traditions.
 
It was a fun-filled afternoon for Kindergarten students as they welcomed current parents and “traveled” to China on the digital classroom map to learn about the different cities the families are from and the various traditions they participate in. Students also practiced the phrases they had learned in Mandarin class with instructor Chien-ju Lin.
 
With the help of teachers Jenna Gabriel and Monica Lyons 1994, each table around the room was set up as a different station ranging from origami folding, Chinese calligraphy, dumpling making, writing their names with Chinese characters, and a book station. All the students visited each station before being presented with a traditional red envelope and gifts on behalf of the families.
 
“Having parents come into the classroom to share their family traditions is a wonderful learning experience for the students,” said Mrs. Gabriel. “With each holiday throughout the year, parents visit to speak about their own cultural celebrations, and it helps the students understand different cultures and how we can all appreciate what makes us unique.”
 
Students in Grade 6 enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation and guest lecture from Ms. Bohui Wang, the mother of Junwen Wang. They learned about the Lunar calendar and the 12 animals that represent the Chinese Zodiac. Ms. Wang spoke to them about the different traditions including adorning the house with festive red decor, sharing a communal meal, watching a fireworks show, and the traditional dragon dance.
 
Both Grade 1 classes will have a collaborative performance on February 7 in the Taylor Performing Arts Center with an art showcase and reception in Lender Refectory to follow.  
 
The Middle and Upper School communities will have an assembly tomorrow, January 27, organized by Mandarin teacher Margaret Wei. The assembly will feature a string ensemble performance of GongXi GongXi by freshmen Andrew Yang and Rav Karunarutne, sophomore Sissi Zhang, and juniors Sally Temuer and Maria Gregory. That performance will be followed by a presentation and Chinese Dance by freshman Lan Liu. Both assemblies will show the short film Festive China: Spring Festival with a Q&A and the Dragon and Lion Dance performed by a group of students.
 
The Upper School program will also feature a musical duet of Demon Slayer by juniors Mark Yan and Raymond Luo. The Choral singers will join seniors Adam Shi and Jennifer Zou, and freshman Jiali Yang, for a performance of So Many People in the World.

Click here to watch the student performers at the assembly.
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Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.