The year of the Monkey was welcomed by the St.George's School community on 9 February 2016 in the annual Chinese New Year Celebration of the School, a tradition that was started many years ago.
The joyous and auspicious occasion was graced by His Excellency, the Right Reverend Bishop Cornelius Sim, President of the School Board of Governors. Also in attendance were Anthony Liew Vun Chiang, the Chairman of the School Board of Governors, his spouse Mdm Koh Bee Moi, other members of the school board, invited guests, teachers, parents and students of the school.
The celebration commenced at 9 a.m. with the arrival of His Excellency. In his welcoming speech, Janidi Jingan, principal of St.George's School , informed that this Spring Festival, which is also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, marked the end of the Year of the Goat. This year is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the Chinese Zodiac. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle with each year in that cycle based on one of the 12 animals' character and living habits. He shared with the audience that Chinese New Year has been the most important Chinese festival over thousands of years with the richest Chinese cultural profundity, and is also a family-reunion festival most cherished by the Chinese people.
The principal also noted that the students of St.George's School are very much privileged that they are able to witness and to some extent, participate in major celebrations such as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri organized by the school. The school prides itself with its multiracial staff and students. The wealth of diverse cultures and communities have contributed to St.George's School's unique identity. The school will do its best to promote understanding and awareness of the similarities and differences amongst the students of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Further in his speech, Janidi Jingan also stated that it is through celebrations like this that the students are taught how to respect and understand other cultures, traditions, customs and festivals. This will help develop the spirit of tolerance and promote a better relationship amongst the school's populace, as is evident in the performances whereby students of various races are participating.
The principal took the opportunity to thank and congratulate the organizing committee for their hard work and commitment in ensuring the smooth running of the function. He also thanked parents and students for their continuous support for the school.
Everyone in attendance was in a celebratory mood as the dance performances by primary and secondary students enlivened the atmosphere around the school. Invited guests and the audience were treated to a welcoming dance 'Feng Yan Hua Gu' by secondary students. This was followed by a mixed cultural dance 'Qin Chun Wu Qu', performed gracefully by the primary students. Mrs Anthony Liew, spouse of the Chairman of the School Board of Governors, graciously sang some new year songs, which further added to the merriment. 'Bamboo in the Grove' a modern dance was then performed by the secondary students again.
The highlight of the whole event was the long awaited and exciting Lion Dance Performance by the Lim family. The energetic prancing of the lions, accompanied by the music of beating drums, clashing cymbals and resounding gongs, enthralled the audience and captivated the hearts of the primary students and kindergarteners. The children pranced and gyrated to the beats of the drums as the lion dancers imitated a lion's various movements and demonstrated martial arts agility.
It was indeed an entertaining and unforgettable event for everyone present. Guests, parents and students took home with them vivid memories of a wonderful and joyous event that bonded multiracial people with multicultural backgrounds.
The joyous celebration ended with everyone wishing each other 'Gong Xi Fatt Chai' or Happy Chinese New Year.
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