Worser Bay School rings in Chinese New Year
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Worser Bay School in Wellington rounded off the term with a Chinese New Year celebration in on 19 March. The school’s 140 enthusiastic young learners took part in creating a festive atmosphere at the Miramar primary school for the day.
They were colourful celebrations, which included hand painted dragons, beating drums and a parade out in the schoolyard. The celebrations were rounded off with a noodle lunch.
Addressing the pupils out in the schoolyard, Principal Jude Pentecost complemented the pupils on all their hard work.
Speaking to Asia:NZ, Jude explained the motivations behind the festivities. “It stems from our new strategic plan which was devised by our board and staff. One of the goals of the plan is to develop greater cultural intelligence among our pupils.”
And why is Asia awareness so important her school? “We don’t know what jobs our kids are going to have. Their future is very different from that of our generation and Asia is part of that.”
Many of the children’s parents attended on the day and Jude commented that it was crucial that parents are brought on board with such events. It was her policy to sit down for a brief chat with every parent of newly enrolled pupils to explain the school’s approach to fostering cultural understanding. “Our weekly newsletter is also huge part of our engagement with parents,” she added.
And she also believed in the importance in developing an appreciation of such activities the wider community. “We have to plant seeds to encourage dialogue beyond the school gates,” she argued.
Jude noted different levels of awareness of different cultures among the school’s pupils. “While many are well travelled, some of the children at the school might not have huge knowledge of life outside Miramar.”
Teacher knowledge was crucial in underpinning the success of the day, Jude reiterated. Teacher Hamish McRae explained the build up for the day. “Preparations started back at the start of term in fact. We initially discussed in the classroom how we celebrate Matariki.”
“It’s great to look at Chinese New Year because it’s something different. Many of the kids learn so much about these celebrations outside school and can come back and share their experiences in the classroom,” he said.
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