Celebrating the Year of the Sheep

 

On Thursday Feb 19, LCS joined in the spirit of the Chinese (Lunar) New Year and celebrated the year of the sheep. While our celebrations may not have been quite as elaborate as the week long celebrations taking place at home, it gave our students a change to celebrate and share with LCS and the Lakefield community.  

 

The festivities began with community involvement when long-time school receptionist and active community volunteer, Carol Florence, invited some of our students to perform for a group of seniors at Extendi-Care Lakefield.  The activities team at Extendi-Care had arranged an afternoon of celebrations for the Chinese New Year and performances by Debby Liao and Greta Liu were a highlight.  Debby performed a traditional Chinese song about the love of a child for their mother and the audience was truly impressed by her signing and traditional dress.  Greta then took to the stage and performed a Chinese folk dance, much to the delight of the audience.  The two girls then answered questions about life in Canada and China and chatted with the residents.  Both Greta and Debby felt honoured to share their culture with the community and were so pleased that they were included in the celebration.  The chance to spend time with the residents of Extendi-Care reminded them of their families at home (especially their Grandparents) and it seemed fitting that this family focused holiday included a chance to share with new friends.  

 

Late in the evening, Winder Smith Hall was a hotbed of activity as over 20 students from various countries worked to prepare food, decorate and serve a Chinese New Year dinner.  Aramark staff worked along side the students to prepare the food and it soon became a sharing of cultures and recipes as the students showcased their culinary skills and cultural traditions.  Luck, family, prosperity and good fortune were themes for the evening and students and staff enjoyed a taste of fried rice, dumplings, spring rolls, stir fry, mapo tofu, tomato and egg and bubble tea.  With festive decorations and lucky candies set around the room, the dining hall was alive with celebration.  

 

Having a chance to share in some of the many traditional holidays celebrated by our diverse group of students is truly fun for all.  The enthusiasm goes both ways as some students learn about an embrace new traditions and others share their culture with their community.  We all look forward to more opportunities to share, learn and celebrate.