Fo Guang Shan Toronto Chinese School Ignites Chinese New Year Joy with Enriching Festivities

February 4, 2024

The vibrant spirit of Chinese New Year came alive at the FGS Toronto Chinese School as the School hosted a Spring Festival celebration on February 4th, marking the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. With over 70 students, teachers, and volunteers in attendance, the event was a blend of joyful revelry and enriching education.

The event kicked off with laughter and traditional New Year music setting the tone. Two dedicated teachers illuminated the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year through captivating visuals and informative narratives, delving into its origins and distinctive customs. From the thunderous crackle of firecrackers, believed toward off negativity and invite prosperity, to the cherished traditions of the lantern hanging, couplet writing, giving out red envelopes, introducing the Chinese zodiac animals, and interacting with children to guess word puzzles.

The children eagerly immersed themselves in six meticulously crafted activities. From practicing calligraphy to create the auspicious phrase "good fortune," to crafting bookmarks adorned with the promise of a "bright future," and even engaging in a friendly sandbag tossing game symbolizing the arrival of wealth and prosperity, each activity was designed to impart traditional values and blessings. The most popular is the "Dragon Flying and Phoenix Dancing" handicraft workshop. All the children happily completed the dragon dance crafts, hoping to take home the wisdom and luck of the Year of the Dragon.

Throughout the event, teachers and volunteers devoted themselves to guiding children in various arts and crafts activities, seamlessly blending cultural immersion with creative expression. The day concluded with a group photo session, each child proudly displayed their creations, adorned with smiles reflecting the spirit of unity and celebration.

To let students understand the cultural customs of celebrating the Chinese New Year, FGS Toronto Chinese School held a Spring Festival celebration to welcome the Year of the Dragon on February 4th; the children carefully learned to write the word "good fortune" with a writing brush.
The teacher instructed children in junior class to make bookmarks.
Teachers and volunteers teach children to tie diamond knots.
Teachers and volunteers patiently led the children to make dragon dance crafts.
Shouting commands and throwing sandbags is endless fun.
Children challenge themselves to a game of kicking shuttlecocks.
Children are happy to show the results of their creative work.
The day concluded with a group photo session, each child proudly displayed their creations, adorned with smiles reflecting the spirit of unityand celebration.