Trinity College School students and staff celebrated the incoming Year of the Snake during Lunar New Year initiatives throughout the week of January 27th to 31st. Based on the lunisolar calendar, this year Lunar New Year fell on Wednesday, January 29th, and was celebrated in countries including China, Korea and Vietnam, as well as by people the world over. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the zodiac; the snake, the sixth year, represents qualities such as wisdom, resilience, sensitivity and a sense of calm.
Both the Junior and Senior Schools at TCS recognized the occasion, starting with decorating throughout campus. As well, the libraries displayed books honouring Asian culture and authors.
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of more than 45 Senior School students, plus staff, who typically celebrate Lunar New Year, took part in a special dinner in the Davies Centre with traditional cuisine generously prepared by day house parents. The menu included popular drinks, rice, dumplings, delicious meat, vegetables, as well as snacks, and fresh fruit (including oranges, cherries and dragon fruit). Students played the popular game mahjong and staff joined in. Students appreciated the chance to spend time with friends while watching impressive Lunar New Year celebrations online, featuring talented dancers, musicians and more. Thank you to the parents of Crystal D., Charlotte H., Sam N., Jeffery Y., Claudia Z., Kevin W., Edward L., Roger Z., Freddy H. and Claire G. for their work in preparing this special meal.
Also on Tuesday, the Junior School learned about Lunar New Year during an assembly presentation by the Allies Against Racism and Discrimination (AARD) student group as well as faculty associate, Ms. Bingyi Lin. And the weekly Junior School chapel service featured Lunar New Year stories and insights from Rev. Deb Wilson and members of the AARD.
Friday, January 31st was a non-uniform day for the entire school, with everyone encouraged to wear the colours red, orange, yellow or gold, or traditional dress. Asian foods were served in Osler Hall in honour of the occasion. Senior School students began the day with a special chapel service where students from the Cultural Awareness Group (CAG) spoke about Lunar New Year and acted out one story from the Journey to the West, an epic novel written during the Ming dynasty.
Friday evening, CAG hosted a carnival in Cirne Commons that welcomed both Junior and Senior School communities. The students hosted stations that included tea tasting, a rope challenge, riddles, writing names in Chinese calligraphy and more, and there was an appearance by the always-popular BobaLoka bubble tea truck. The evening was capped off with a beautiful fireworks display.
Thank you to the students, staff and families who worked throughout the week to share the traditions and celebrations of Lunar New Year and Asian cultures with the school community.
