Traditional red lanterns, firecrackers and Chinese banners filled the Wellington campus this February, bringing a festive spirit to the College as it celebrated its very first Chinese New Year.

As a highlight of Wellington’s integration of the Chinese language and culture into the College’s values and practices, the Chinese department, led by Mrs Helena Hicks, put tremendous efforts into the preparations of the First Chinese Culture Day.

The exciting Wellington Mandarin programme provides multiple opportunities to bring both language and culture into the experience of every pupil not only inside the classroom but also through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, which focus on Chinese history, arts, cuisine, music, song and drama. All of these aspects were co-ordinated under the able leadership of Mrs Hicks leading up to a spectacular event filled with a series of colourful performances.

The Celebrations started at the end of January, with the visit of Pride from the Mountains, when over 40 children and staff originally from Gansu province came to the College to partake in classes with their Wellington peers, then in the afternoon they showcased entrancing performances from their respective regions. With vivid costumes and music, as well as their smiling faces, it was clear that this was a meaningful event for everyone involved, being as much a cultural experience for the children from Gansu as it was for the Wellington Pupils.

The highlight of the Chinese New Year celebrations was the Gala in the College Theatre. In front of a packed auditorium, pupils, staff and parents performed different styles of Chinese performances, including Chinese greetings songs, Kung Fu performances, a parent-led Little Apple dance, and finally, a Chinese fashion show. Following the event, Chinese traditional delicacies and refreshments were served in the Cafeteria by the wonderfully supportive Friends of Wellington.

As yet another example of Wellington College’s community spirit, for over a week the College has been a buzz of Chinese tradition and culture as everyone has shared in a feast of educational and enjoyable activities. The pupils, staff and parents wish you all Happy Chinese New Year!