The Chinese New Year dinner, also referred to as the ‘Reunion Dinner’ or nian ye fan in Chinese, is one of the most important events in this festive period. This year it took place on Friday 9th February - Chinese New Year’s Eve. The celebration is a chance for family to gather, to remember memorable moments from the year just gone, and to welcome in the year ahead. The menu differs from region to region, but ultimately reflects families’ hopes for the coming year. At Canford, Mr Richard Wilson, International Pupil Coordinator, Ms Tzu-Ling Shao, Chinese Teacher and Clare R, International Pupil Leader, collaborated with the Catering team to create a special themed lunch that incorporated most elements you would see on a traditional Chinese dinner table. With 9th February being half term, this lunch took place on Wednesday, 7th February. The feedback from all pupils and staff on all the dishes was extremely positive.
Following the half term break, where many members of the community honoured Chinese New Year in their own way with family and friends, the festivities continued with the annual Chinese New Year cultural festival. This took place in Long Gallery on the evening of Wednesday 21st February. The event was organised by Mr Wilson, Ms Shao and Clare R with the help of the International House Reps and Joey Z in particular.
Many pupils joined in throughout the evening to celebrate the start of the Lunar Year of the Dragon with activities, crafts and refreshments, all provided and brilliantly set up by Ms Shao and ably assisted by her son Noah. This included a water ink painting activity, run with the help of Peiyi, our visiting Chinese artist, Chinese calligraphy, games of Mahjong, Go! and Chinese chess, traditional music, beautiful lanterns and displays, Chinese snacks and a full Chinese tea service. One of the highlights of the event was a Lion Dance in full costume by Alex P and Noah through the Great Hall!
Richard Wilson, International Pupil Co-ordinator said:
This annual event was a great success and I’m delighted that our Chinese pupils were able to share this part of their culture with the rest of the Canford community. I am particularly grateful to Ms Shao, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible.
Tzu-Ling Shao, Chinese language and culture teacher said:
It is lovely to see pupils returning year after year in order to participate in and learn more about this traditional cultural celebration which is so very important for our Chinese pupils.
Clare R, International Pupil Leader commented:
The atmosphere was lovely and it was great to see everyone enjoying the event so much, getting involved in the activities and learning about Chinese culture.
![Chinese New Year lunch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710257351/canfordcom/knaunkdstjiapw5mfhdk/chinese-new-year-enrichment.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710257351/canfordcom/knaunkdstjiapw5mfhdk/chinese-new-year-enrichment.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710257351/canfordcom/knaunkdstjiapw5mfhdk/chinese-new-year-enrichment.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710257351/canfordcom/knaunkdstjiapw5mfhdk/chinese-new-year-enrichment.jpg","width":847}])
