From the Upper School to the Middle School, GFA marked the Lunar New Year with vibrant performances, student-led presentations, and meaningful cultural traditions. The celebrations began in the Upper School, where students gathered for a special assembly marking the upcoming Year of the Horse. Mandarin students shared the history and traditions of the holiday through presentations, songs, and interactive activities. The program featured professional sword dancers and live Tibetan dance performances, and concluded with hands-on activities including calligraphy, lantern making, jianzi, and a chopsticks challenge.
The following week, middle school students continued the celebration with a variety of festivities and hands-on learning. The 6th-grade Mandarin class presented in assembly about the lunar calendar, traditions, and New Year taboos. In Mandarin classes, students practiced calligraphy, paper-cutting, and lantern-making. A highlight of the week was making—and enjoying—dumplings, a staple of Lunar New Year celebrations and a symbol of good fortune.
The celebration concluded during Thursday’s middle school announcements with a fierce chopsticks house competition. Each house gave its all, resulting in an impressive three-way tie with one win per house. Zoe ’32 currently holds the individual record, picking up 16 black beans with chopsticks in one minute. Special thanks to the World Languages Department for leading this joyful and educational celebration each year!