In 2024, we are welcoming the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. We believe this ties in perfectly with our mission at BASIS International Schools, as we strive to empower our students, strengthen their skills, and bring them good fortune in their educational journey. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds, and have an opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, gaining a deep understanding of its rich history and traditions. From dragon dances to lantern-making workshops, our campuses come alive with a plethora of activities and traditions. At each of our schools, teachers are incorporating themed lessons into the curriculum to provide students with a deeper grasp of Chinese history, language, and culture.
BASIS International School Shenzhen
BASIS International School Shenzhen bid farewell to the Year of the Rabbit and ushered in the Year of the Dragon. The school community came together for a grand celebration, filled with colorful lanterns, traditional music, and lively dragon dances. The students also got hands-on experience in Chinese culture by making their own dragon lanterns and playing spinning tops.
The wonderful ECE teaching team put on a festive performance followed by some seasonal Chinese New Year activities in the classrooms.
BASIS International School Guangzhou
Chinese Temple Fair
Vibrant festivities took over BASIS International School Guangzhou as Primary School Chinese Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) hosted an unforgettable temple fair! From the Golden Dragon Gate to the bustling booths, laughter filled the air as teachers and students immersed themselves in the spirit of the Chinese New Year. With traditional activities like rice cake crafting, sugar painting, and ancient games like pot-pitching and Cuju, our students celebrated culture and joy, leaving the fair with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions.
BASIS International School Hangzhou
Dragon and Lion Dances in ECE
For the Chinese New Year, our Pre-K students at BASIS International School Hangzhou have crafted a dazzling array of Chinese dragons! The dragon dance event was a burst of joy as the little ones gathered to revel in their handmade creations. From shimmering golden scales to winding powerful bodies and colorful innovations, these young artists brought the spirit of the dragon to life in the most delightful way!
The excitement continued to fill the ECE building as our young students welcomed a lively lion dance group, guided by our fantastic canteen staff. Amidst the festive joy, we hope the children not only soaked in the lively atmosphere but also embraced the dragon’s symbolism—gaining courage, perseverance, and wisdom, while accumulating luck and energy for the upcoming new year!
Faculty Celebrations
Teachers are not forgotten in the midst of all these festive celebrations. Every campus puts on an elaborate Chinese New Year party for our teachers. Not only do they get to enjoy and experience the culture, many faculty and school leaders choose to participate in the performances and show off their talents!
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
Spring Festival Culture Week
The Boarding Department organized an incredible series of activities for our students to usher in the Year of the Dragon. Students wrote auspicious poems on red paper, crafted unique Cloisonné bookmarks, and created handmade paper dragons–the dorm parents immersed BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour in a rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture. The highlight was the Chaoshan crispy dumpling-making session, where students learned the art of rolling, stuffing, and deep frying these delicious festive treats. As the enticing aroma filled the air, students not only celebrated the Year of the Dragon but also savored the sweet taste of their own creations.
“There are so many types of holidays in the world and across different cultures. My favorites are those that tie us both to the natural world and to our families and to our roots. The Chinese New Year, the start of the Year of the Dragon, is certainly one of these. As you know better than I, the Chinese New Year begins most years at the moment of the second full moon after the winter solstice. The solstice marks the shortest period of daily light in the calendar year, and I imagine this holiday in very ancient times, somewhat marking the long awaited and very welcome moments when the days begin again to become longer, warmth begins to return – a moment of growing light and warmth begetting optimism, closeness, a return to comfort. The physicists among us know that it is gravity that makes the metronome of the universe tick away as it does – elegantly, predictably, endlessly; and so, guided by gravity, bathed in expanding sunlight and spreading warmth, we look to a year ahead, the next year of the Chinese calendar. How exciting!”
Mr. John Quirk, Head of School
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
Faculty Celebrations
BASIS International School Nanjing
Celebrating the Spring Festival at BASIS International School Nanjing was more than just a festive occasion—it was a captivating cultural experience and a testament to the rich Chinese heritage! The diversity of New Year activities seamlessly integrated traditional art, Chinese characters, and jubilant celebrations.
Under the protection of the Chinese zodiac signs, we’re gearing up for the Year of the Dragon! Students faced challenges set by the five zodiac animals—rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, and dragon. They tackled tasks like ring toss, testing physical coordination, and ping pong ball carry, demonstrating strength control. From character building to creative painting our students showcased their diverse skills, making the Year of the Dragon’s arrival truly spectacular!
Xiaonian Feast
Before the break BASIS International School Nanjing embraced Xiaonian, marking the day of worshiping the Kitchen God and bidding farewell to the old while welcoming the new. As we embark on a busy year ahead, the school cafeteria has crafted a delightful spread of traditional snacks—from Shandong flower steamed buns to eight-treasure rice pudding, and desserts like malt sugar, sugar-coated haws, and classy kiss yogurt.
Faculty Celebrations
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
Spring Cultural Flash Mob
The Upper School students and teachers at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen showcased their incredible talents and celebrated the Spring Festival with a series of mesmerizing performances, from enchanting melodies to dynamic dance routines! Kudos to our dedicated teachers who not only directed behind the scenes but also dazzled on stage, adding their own flair to the festivities.
Faculty Celebrations
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
Chinese New Year Fair
Our first Chinese New Year Fair at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu was a roaring success! From mesmerizing music performances featuring traditional instruments to engaging activities like making lanterns and playing traditional games, our campus was buzzing with excitement and cultural celebration. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible, providing a memorable and enriching experience as we usher in the Year of the Dragon!
Faculty Celebrations
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Couplet Writing & Knot Tying
Embracing the spirit of Chinese New Year at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan with traditional arts! Teachers and students delved into the ancient craft of Chinese knot tying, weaving red ropes filled with New Year blessings while mastering teamwork and collaboration. With hands-on guidance from Teacher Li Na and captivating brush calligraphy demonstrations, our school community immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage, leaving their mark on the canvas of tradition.
“With the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you for a joyous Chinese New Year. I can’t help but express my deep appreciation for the incredible sense of community we have built together throughout this school year. Each day, as I walk around campus, the smiles on your children’s faces and the sparkle in their eyes serve as constant reminders of why we dedicate ourselves to education with such passion and diligence.I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by an extraordinary team of educators who are not only enthusiastic and dedicated but also genuinely caring.”
Dan Schneider, Founding Head of School
BASIS International & Bilingual School Wuhan
Faculty Celebrations
Conclusion
In welcoming the Year of the Dragon, we have not only celebrated the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year but also strengthened our commitment to cultural immersion and educational excellence. Our campuses have been alive with the spirit of celebration and learning. As we bid farewell to the festivities across the BASIS International Schools network, we carry forward the lessons of teamwork, creativity, and cultural appreciation, embodying the spirit of empowerment, strength, and good fortune that the Year of the Dragon symbolizes.
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