Collegiate Students Celebrate Chinese New Year

Collegiate School Chinese language students ushered in the Year of the Pig last evening at the sixth annual Chinese New Year Celebration in Oates Theater.
During the event, Lower and Middle School students, with assistance from faculty, staff, Upper Schoolers and parents, performed in front of family and friends some of thesongs, dances and martial arts demonstrations integral to Chinese culture. One highlight of the evening was the display of a golden pig that Lower School students created with help from Collegiate art teachers Dana DuMont and Heather Graham.

Collegiate has a well-rounded JK-12 Chinese language program, in which the spoken and written word are a part of culture, said Daisy Hu, Middle School Chinese teacher.

“We not only teach Chinese as a second language, but also help students to better understand China,” she said. “Chinese New Year is one of the country’s most important holidays, and participating in it helps our students to learn about Chinese culture.”

Upper School Chinese teacher Zhangyi Shi agrees and sees long-term global benefits for students.

“Culture learning is an integral part of language learning, and participation in a cultural event enhances learning,” she said. “China has evolved into a major power, and it is vital for our students to know the country and its culture. Inclusion and diversity are crucial to success in a global world.”    
 
After the program, students, faculty, staff and guests gathered in Sharp Academic Commons for a reception, where they experienced Chinese food, games and crafts.
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