The Year of the Metal Rat was welcomed by the Chinese community throughout the world on January 25 2020. At St.George's School, Bandar Seri Begawan, the Chinese New Year was greeted with enthusiasm and merriment by the school population together with invited guests, parents and teachers.
His Excellency the Right Reverand Bishop Cornelius Sim, President of the School Board of Governors, Mr Anthony Liew Vun Chiang, Chairman of the School Board of Governors and spouse, members of the School Board of Governors, sponsors, invited guests and parents were treated to various performances to celebrate the occasion.
Principal Janidi Jingan welcomed everyone present with a celebration speech. He shared that Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese cultural festival over thousands of years and is also a family-reunion festival most cherished by the Chinese people. It was a special day on 27 January 2020 when the school's Chinese community shared the festive merriment with everyone present. In his speech too, Principal Janidi said, "I am a firm believer that the school is the best venue to promote understanding and awareness of the similarities and differences amongst us as citizens of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. School is also where you get the opportunity to learn about some cultural characteristics, history, values, beliefs and behaviours of other ethnic and cultural groups. The process of learning also teaches us how to respect and understand the religions and cultures of others and the existence of a wide variety of traditions, customs and festivals. Therefore, this leads us to tolerance. Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. For these reasons, the school celebrates Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. These events are part of the school's ongoing effort to promote tolerance, understanding and respect amongst our students."
The Principal also thanked the chief guest of honour, other honourable guests, sponsors and parents who gave their unlimited support towards the occasion. He wished each and everyone present "Gong Xi Fatt Chai" and proudly informed that St.George's School has her own Lion Dance troupe.
Beautifully attired in green and red Chinese gowns, some secondary students moved rhythmically to the invigorating music in their welcoming dance for theaudience. The celebration was further made merry with various performances lined up. Following suit, after the opening ceremony by the President of the School Board of Governors, was the Umbrella Dance by primary students who danced and twirled the umbrella gracefully. Kindergarten students were not left out as they performed a song and dance 'Qu Bai Nian'. The audience were also treated to the euphonious 'Abundance Blessing', a song melodiously sung by three secondary students. The 'Moon Light' fan dance saw some secondary students performing at their best . The audience was further captivated by the wonderful mellifluous voice of future songstress, Abigail Calimbas Olayvar, who delivered 'He Xin Nian' fluently.
The merriment was especially felt when kindergarten students were presented with 'ang paos' by the honourable guests. Lion dances have become ubiquitous during Chinese New Year. The much awaited lion dance performance finally got to be witnessed by the audience when St.George's School's own Lion Dance troupe gave an exhilarating performance that captured the hearts and minds of all present, especially the students. The five lions pranced and gyrated according to the beats of the drums, adding to the great merriment felt at the celebration.
As with every merry event, everyone present was treated to some light refreshment and mandarin oranges before making their way home.
Lastly, St. George's School wishes everyone
'Good health, good luck and much happiness throughout the year.'
恭祝健康、幸运，新年快