Hello Student®’s Post

I watched with joy as my Secondary 2 students filled the classroom with laughter and chatter while creating their Chinese New Year lanterns. The festive spirit was alive at Canberra Secondary School as red and gold paper scattered across the tables like confetti. Looking at their happy faces and beautiful lanterns swaying gently from our classroom ceiling, I knew this activity had done more than just teach them about Chinese culture, it had brought our class closer together and given them a chance to shine in their own special way. When we celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali together, our students learn something far more valuable than what any textbook could teach them. They build bridges. When students exchange traditional treats, wear each other's traditional clothes and share stories about their family celebrations, they're learning to embrace diversity naturally. I've noticed how these shared experiences help reduce prejudices and misconceptions. What makes me especially proud is seeing how our students carry these lessons of cultural appreciation beyond the classroom. They've learned to say the right greetings in different languages, understand why certain practices are important to their friends, and most importantly, respect each other's traditions. In our unique Singapore context, these celebrations remind us that our differences make us stronger, not weaker. Every time we celebrate another culture's festival, we're reinforcing the message that every tradition has value, every celebration matters, and every student belongs. This is how we build a truly united Singapore, one celebration at a time. 🤗

Popular Festivals in China You Should Experience as an International Student! Studying abroad is not just about academics, it’s also about immersing yourself in the local culture and making the most of your experience. One of the best ways to truly understand and appreciate Chinese culture is by participating in the many festivals in China. These festivals, rich in tradition and cultural significance, offer a unique insight into the values, history, and community spirit of the Chinese people. As an international student, experiencing these festivals will enhance your understanding of China and also create unforgettable memories during your time here. Curious to learn more about the festivals? Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g5QBm2pn #studyinchina #chinascholarships #lifeinchina

🐍🎁 Happy Chinese New Year 🧧💫 As we usher in the Year of the Wooden Snake on January 29, 2025, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating this vibrant festival. The Wooden Snake symbolizes wisdom, creativity, and strategic thinking. It is a year that encourages us all to embrace transformation, innovation, and thoughtful planning. The Wooden Snake is associated with resourcefulness and new ideas, making this an excellent time to explore innovative solutions and creative projects. Known for its strategic nature, the Snake encourages us to plan carefully and think long-term, setting clear goals and developing comprehensive strategies to achieve them. The Snake's wisdom invites us to take a reflective approach to our personal and professional lives, learning from past experiences and applying those lessons to future endeavors. Additionally, the Wooden Snake symbolizes resilience and adaptability, reminding us that challenges are opportunities in disguise and encouraging us to face them with grace and determination. Let’s embrace the qualities of the Wooden Snake as we journey through 2025. May this year bring prosperity, growth, and success to all.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, holds significant cultural values that are deeply rooted in tradition. Some values associated with this celebration: 1. Family Reunion: Chinese New Year is primarily a time for family gatherings. It emphasizes the importance of family unity and togetherness, as many people travel long distances to reunite with their loved ones for the New Year's Eve dinner, known as Nian Ye Fan. 2. Cultural Heritage: The festival reinforces cultural values and traditions, such as honoring ancestors and maintaining social relationships. Rituals like ancestor worship and the exchange of good luck wishes are integral to the celebrations. 3. Good Fortune and Prosperity: The New Year is seen as an opportunity to secure good fortune for the coming year. Various customs, such as giving red envelopes (Hong Bao) filled with money, are believed to bring luck and prosperity. 4. Renewal and Cleansing: The celebrations involve cleaning homes to remove bad luck and welcome new beginnings. This practice symbolizes the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new, reflecting a desire for a fresh start. 5. Community and Cooperation: The festival encourages community spirit through shared celebrations, such as lion and dragon dances, which are performed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. These activities foster a sense of belonging and cooperation among community members. 6. Joy and Celebration: Chinese New Year is a time of joy and festivity, marked by vibrant decorations, fireworks, and various cultural performances. This celebratory atmosphere promotes happiness and positivity within families and communities. In summary. The values of Chinese New Year encompass family unity, cultural heritage, the pursuit of good fortune, renewal, community spirit, and joy, making it a deeply meaningful celebration for those who observe it. Community are Respect, Care and Love. Together we can. Happy Chinese New Yere Eve. https://lnkd.in/gb-VT2rP

Do you wonder why your student talks, eats, or behaves a certain way? 🌏 Hosting is full of these little mysteries! Exploring your exchange student’s cultural norms can be a fun way to understand their world—and bring you closer together. Check out this guide to learn more about the unique habits they bring from home! #HostingLife #CulturalExchange https://hubs.li/Q02VR6PV0

🌟 Family Culture: The Essence of Cultural Heritage 🌟 Today is the Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival) 🎋, one of China’s important traditional holidays. Like many other festivals, it carries rich cultural meanings such as honouring elders 👴👵, cherishing family bonds 👨👩👧👦, and reflecting on traditions. These practices are more than just customs; they represent the deep-rooted family values passed down through generations. 💖 China’s long-standing cultural history is built upon the emphasis on family culture and moral upbringing. Unlike wealth and power, which are temporary, values like diligence 💪, courage 🦁, and harmonious relationships 🤝 shape a person’s character and guide their actions throughout life. 💡 Cultural inheritance is far more valuable than power and wealth because it nurtures the spirit and instils principles that endure across generations. 🌱✨ For example, Confucius left behind not riches, but a profound cultural and moral foundation. His teachings on virtues like filial piety 🙇♂️, hard work 🔨, mutual respect 🫂, and the pursuit of knowledge 🎓 have influenced Chinese families for over two thousand years. These values continue to inspire generations, showing that a strong family culture focused on self-improvement and positive social relationships is more enduring than material wealth. As we celebrate the Double Ninth Festival today, let’s remember that the true heritage we pass down is not material, but the enduring family spirit 🌟 that strengthens future generations, ensuring the continuity of our cultural identity and values for centuries to come.

Today, we join millions across Australia in celebrating RU OK? Day, a day dedicated to reminding everyone to check in with their friends, family, and colleagues. 💛 But remember, asking “RU OK?” isn’t just for today. It’s a conversation we can have any day of the year. A simple question can make a world of difference. If you need help in starting this conversation, check out the valuable R U OK? resources here: https://lnkd.in/g6XSSyx

How to Study German Effectively: A Comprehensive Syllabus and Guide – Level 3: Intermediate (B1) Unit 11: Culture and Traditions

The world is waiting to be explored! Here are some international spots to consider exploring!

🎁 Gift-Giving Traditions Around the World: Spotlight on Japan Did you know? In Japan, it is considered polite to offer or receive a gift using both hands, showing respect and thoughtfulness. Opening the gift immediately, however, is often avoided. Instead, it’s customary to wait until the giver is no longer present to unwrap it – a gesture of humility and appreciation. 🌍 At Academic Summer, we deeply value cultural understanding and cooperation. As an international organisation, we believe that learning about traditions like these fosters stronger connections and mutual respect. ✨ This post is the first in a series where we’ll explore gift-giving customs from around the globe. Stay tuned to discover the unique ways people express generosity and gratitude across different cultures! Have you encountered any interesting gift-giving traditions? Share your experiences below! 👇 #Japan #Gift #Traditions #Global #Learning