Feb. 02, 2017
Midnapore School is a Mandarin Bilingual program for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. An important part of learning a language is also experiencing the culture and special celebrations.
On Jan. 26, 2017, students performed for guests including, schoolmates, parents, grandparents, and various special guests including; Graham Sucha (MLA), Cindy McNiven (Director of Learning), Kelly Christopher (Teacher Staffing), Alejandra Fleisher (CBE Language Specialist), David Watson (Marion Carson Principal), Andrea Taylor (Le Rois Daniels Principal), Darren Whitbread (Harold Panabaker Principal), Ryan Turner (Highwood Assistant Principal), Bob Slade (Colonel Irvine Assistant Principal), Karen Perry (Area V assistant) and Dr. Catharine Chua (University of Calgary).
Before we began our evening performances, we took time to welcome our guests and acknowledge the land where we gathered. Students worked hard to learn and put together performances such as a Chinese Lion Dance, Kung Fu fans, poetry, songs and Chinese style dances. We worked in collaboration with instructors from Calgary Tai Chi and Martial Arts College, as well as Brilliant Dance Studio. A special performance from traditional lion dancers wowed our audience and welcomed the New Year with excitement.
Leading up to the concert students engaged in many activities connected to the Lunar New Year and Year of the Rooster. Students learned from our resident artist Mr. Li and had the opportunity to paint important scenery in Chinese culture, such as pandas, bamboo, flowers and fish. With the help of our parent community, students were treated to classroom potluck meals, also referred to as the reunion dinner. Students enjoyed delicacies such as dumplings, noodles, rice, spring rolls, fruit and egg tarts. Some students even experienced making their own dumplings.
Our students love having the opportunity to dress in traditional Chinese outfits and learn more about the Chinese culture and Lunar New Year. Our hallways came alive with beautiful student artwork, which illustrated roosters, new years greetings and Chinese art. Our Chinese New Year celebrations were a great success. We wish you all a happy and healthy Year of the Rooster!
Article submitted by Midnapore School Students:
Skye (Grade 4), Jessie (Grade 4), Ryann (Grade 5), Olivia (Grade 5)
