Kung Hei Fat Choy 恭喜發財!
Dear FIS community,
The events held this week on our campuses to celebrate the Lunar New Year (with a few more scheduled for once we return from the short break) were delightful and important for our student community on at least two fronts.
They reinforced our mission of being a multicultural school where students gain knowledge and understanding of the world we live in. I witnessed students from all ages singing in multiple languages, including mandarin, playing traditional instruments, producing calligraphy, enacting the dragon dance, etc. The quality of the activities and performances were a testament to the diversity of our school, the spirit of our students, and the commitment and hard work of our faculty.
These events also marked the first opportunity to truly embrace the reduction of COVID restrictions and assemble large groups of students in the same space, for the same purpose. It was a true joy for example to witness all TKO primary students assembled in the yard for the Lion Dance, or throngs of BPR secondary students in the reception area to hear their classmates perform. Having joined FIS last August, never before did I have the opportunity to attend events with the whole primary or secondary division of a campus. The appetite on the student and faculty side for school spirit opportunities is high, and our 60th anniversary celebrations will allow us to further match it with exciting opportunities.
In the meantime, for those in the community who celebrate the lunar new year, I wish you a wonderful few days ahead, hopefully with time shared with your loved ones. And to all of us at FIS, a wonderful year of the Rabbit!
