January 29th was extremely festive as it was the first day of 2025 on the lunar calendar. January 29th and 30th, our school hosted a variety of festive activities, skits, and food with the help of our amazing Chinese teachers: Mrs. Li, Mrs. Fan, and Mrs. Yang. During lunch on Wednesday, students were allowed to select up to three different snacks in return of saying a magic word, “新年快乐” (happy new year)”恭喜发财” (may you be happy and prosperous), “happy lunar new year!” and “you look beautiful today”. In the cafeteria, students could celebrate and participate in stations with fun activities: the chopstick competition, calligraphy and painting, and temporary tattoos. Students who participated were also able to receive red packets which included snack shack vouchers and a New Year's sticker!

On Thursday, although there weren’t any free snacks or vouchers, students were able to enjoy impressive performances of Face-Changing Opera (变脸, Biànliǎn) and orchestra, as well as experience traditional Chinese art in two exciting shows! I hope all the students had fun and wish everyone a great and prosperous rest of the year.