French International Celebrates Lunar New Year

Throughout the month, French International celebrated Lunar New Year with food, art, music, and more.

The students in the Middle School Mandarin program took the lead in creating a Middle School-wide celebration. Sixth-grade students taught the international track sixth graders about the history of Lunar New Year and how to make a paper lantern art project. 

Beginning Mandarin and Mandarin-track students performed an assembly for the rest of the Middle School. It included the history of the holiday, a dragon dance, other traditional songs and dances, and a kung fu demonstration.

Mandarin track and beginning Mandarin students made pork and red bean paste dumplings. French International second-grade parents also made homemade dumplings for students to enjoy. Dumplings are a traditional Lunar New Year food. They symbolize wealth due to their shape, similar to ancient Chinese gold ingots.

In Maternelle and Lower School, parents and community members visited some classes to talk about their experiences celebrating Lunar New Year. They shared stories, taught students how to use chopsticks, and led classes in art projects and activities.

With more than 40 countries represented by the French International community, having parents and teachers share their cultures and backgrounds with students helps them open their minds to the world.