At YCIS we embrace our heritage and the surrounding Chinese culture, within our international education and bilingual environment throughout the academic year. But, the intensity of the depth of appreciation increased during Chinese Culture Day on Thursday 26 January. All our campuses, from kindergarten, Primary to Secondary, were buzzing with excitement as we are on the verge of bringing in the New Year of the Rooster.

Our youngest students arrived with their parents, dressed in colourful silk clothing, to participate in traditional Chinese games and activities. The array of activities spanned from honing chopstick skills to pick up fluffy pom-poms, or trying on lion costumes, brush strokes on red paper or sharing celebratory snacks, plus many more – the atmosphere was terrific.

Across the road at the Primary section, our Lower Primary children, donning their Chinese jackets and dresses, were treated to a spectacular dragon dance performed by YCIS Secondary students. Maneuvering and twisting its long body shape the children were in awe. Some Primary volunteer children were given the chance run alongside the Secondary performers to get a good sense of the dance style.

The last week of January saw Chinese culture portrayed through food, art, drama, dance, music, costumes, ‘lucky’ games, tai chi, scribing good new year wishes and even a trip to the famous flower market at Mong Kok. Parents of Primary children joined their children to browse the heavenly scented flower stalls to follow the tradition and purchase fresh spring flowers, to acknowledge the commencement of spring with the New Year in their homes.

We wish all our students, parents, teachers, all staff and prospective families, a very prosperous and happy Year of the Rooster. Wherever you may be during the festivities we hope you unite with family or friends as is the ancient tradition.