Our Lunar New Year festivities were a vibrant and joyful celebration, marking the Year of the Snake with a series of events that brought together boys, staff and the broader school community.
The week opened with a Chinese New Year Concert held in our Memorial Hall. This event showcased the incredible talents of our boys and staff, who performed a variety of Chinese music and songs. The concert featured instrumental performances, vocal renditions and Lower Sixth Formers Nigel Ng and Tristan Cooper who captivated the audience with their readings of Chinese poems. The event concluded on a high note with a lively rendition of “Gong Xi Gong Xi Happy New Year,” filling the hall with festive cheer.
In addition to the musical celebrations, boys had the opportunity to sample traditional Chinese sweets and food, adding a delicious dimension to the festivities.
Boarders embraced the spirit of the New Year by decorating their boarding houses with red lanterns, symbolizing good fortune and happiness. They also enjoyed sumptuous banquets of Chinese food, specially prepared (in the traditional Chinese way) by a local Chinese restaurant, making the celebrations even more memorable.
The week of festivities culminated in a special assembly led by Fifth Former York Zhou. York shared his personal reflections on what Chinese New Year means to him, including the traditions in his own family, how families and communities come together for the New Year and the significance of the colour red, which symbolizes good fortune and joy. York also reflected on the delicious Chinese food he enjoyed in his boarding house and expressed his gratitude to his Boarding Master, Mr Wise, for arranging it. He concluded by wishing his friends and teachers much happiness and good fortune in the coming year, providing a heartfelt and insightful perspective that resonated with everyone present.
York’s talk was followed by some traditional Chinese music performed by boys on the piano, violin and cello.
Overall, the celebrations were a wonderful success, which brought our community together to appreciate and celebrate Chinese culture. It was a week filled with music, food and meaningful connections, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
