Chinese know how to party

Jayde, teacher Sarah Tappy and Emelia had fun at Berwick Lodge's Chinese New Year celebrations. Pictures: DONNA OATES

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

STUDENTS from Berwick Lodge Primary School were excited to welcome the Chinese New Year last Friday.
To celebrate the year of the Horse, the day kicked off with a Chinese New Year performance from the Grade 2 students, dressed in their finest traditional Chinese costumes.
Asian Co-ordinator Alvina Seow said the students had been learning to sing songs in Mandarin during LOTE lessons, which had extended to all year levels in 2014.
“We started Mandarin as our LOTE with the Preps, grade 1 and 2 last year. The program was well received by parents, staff and students,” she said.
“We were all impressed by how engaging the lessons were and that the little ones picked up the language so quickly.
“It wasn’t long before we heard greetings in Mandarin at our courtyard among the students.”
Ms Seow said a surprise visit from the Chinese Lion was definitely the highlight of the celebrations.
“They just couldn’t keep their eyes and hands off as it came around. Everyone was still talking about it at the end of the day,” she said.
“Then the parade commenced, which showcased some of the Chinese New Year craft we made during the week. Dragons and lanterns were everywhere.”