Wellington welcomes the Year of the Monkey

With great red lanterns brightening the corridors, and traditional paper cuttings and “Lucky Fu’s” (福字) on walls and doorways around the school, pupils and staff at Wellington College International Tianjin had the chance to become completely immersed in what is China’s most important annual celebration – Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year. Coordinated by the passionate and effervescent Mandarin Department, pupils and parents were invited to participate in some thoroughly engaging and entertaining games and activities, with the intention of allowing all of our international community to appreciate and truly understand what the festival is all about. From Pre-Nursery all the way up to the Sixth Form, a vast range of traditional games and competitions were thoughtfully prepared, for all to enjoy. Dressed in traditional Chinese dress, the Junior School pupils and teachers practised the ancient arts of paper-cutting, calligraphy, traditional painting and Chinese knot-tying. There was still time for some outstanding performances of song and dance by our wonderfully talented Junior pupils and the festivities also included dumpling-making activities, all of which were expertly presented and introduced by pupils putting to practice what they have learnt throughout the year in ICT class. To ensure that the Senior School was equally a flurry of learning activity, pupils and teachers were treated to some creative, cross-cultural games and initiatives. Using techniques taught by Chinese calligraphers to scroll the English language, for example, allowed all those participating to truly feel the beauty of words and communication across cultures. Traditional ‘Hanfu’ (汉服) brought more colour and excitement to the day, with Chinese Food Bingo, Chinese hacky sack tournaments (毽子), treasure hunts and puzzles all contributing to an atmosphere of merriment and high spirits. As the gentle tones of the Chinese Guzheng (古筝) drifted along the corridors, to the sound of pupils and teachers singing festively in unison, the entire Senior School pupil body at Wellington had an opportunity to welcome in the Year of the Monkey in a progressive and positive learning environment.