Chinese New Year in Suriname

Chinese New Year is the most important time of the year for all Chinese around the world. In Suriname this is no exception.  Each year three Chinese associations, Kong Ngie Tong Sang, Chung Fa Foei Kong and Fa Tjauw Foei Song, usually organize their own Chinese New Year celebration.  2015 was the first year where all three associations gathered and celebrated this special day together.

Hongbao

There are some traditions that Chinese cultures observe during New Year.  The red envelope, also known as Hongbao, is money wrapped in red paper given to kids from their parents, grandparents and others as New Year gifts.

 A Red envelope is used because the color red symbols energy, happiness and good luck.  Sending red packets is a channel for sending good wishes and luck.  The significant thing is the red envelope and not the money inside it. In Chinese tradition it is impolite to open the envelope in front of the giver.

The dragon dance is another tradition that Chinese observe during New Year.  This dance is done to scare away evil spirits.  The Chinese culture thinks of dragons as helpful, friendly creatures which are linked to good luck, long life and wisdom.  Chinese Dragons are associated with storm clouds and life-giving rain.  So, they have special powers to fly in the air, swim in the sea and walk on land.

Dragon Dance

This celebration lasts a few days and it is an important time for families to meet and have delicious meals together. Our celebration in Suriname links us to Chinese across the world.  It is also an important way in which we let the other ethnic groups in Suriname society know about our culture. We try to attract all the energies needed for success at Chinese New Year.

                               ----- Michelle Chow & Tianshu Zhang
                From the AlphaMax Academy GAC Class 2015

PTA Meetings and Long Weekend Break

• Parent-Teachers’ Meetings:

There has been a change of the scheduled dates for the Long Week-End Break & the PTA Meetings this term due to Thursday, 19th February (Chinese New Year) being declared a public holiday by the Government.

Parents you are therefore, cordially invited to attend the PTA meeting on the respective dates stated below. We look forward to your presence and active participation.

Tuesday, 17th February at 6.00 pm - Lower and Middle school.

Tuesday, 24th February at 6.00 pm - High school and GAC.

• Long Weekend Break:

To coincide with the Chinese New Year National holiday on Thursday 19th, we will have our long weekend break on Friday 20th February to Sunday 22nd February.

NOTE:  School resumes on Monday, 23rd February, 2015.

Assembly at AlphaMax Academy

Alphamax Academy is one of the few schools in Suriname which has an Assembly every day. When I came to this school in 2014 I found Assembly unusual because in my last school we didn't have Assembly.

AlphaMax students, teachers and distinguished guests

I was told that the purpose of Assembly at Alphamax was to get the students together, so that they could focus their thoughts and feelings on positive ideals. The school wanted students to concentrate on the purpose of schoolwork and to approach the day's  activities in a organized fashion.

Every morning in Alphamax Academy all students gather  in the Assembly hall. Assembly begins at 7:15 am and usually takes about 15 minutes. We begin with two prayers. Then we sing a hymn, say an Affirmation and also sing another hymn. The Affirmation that we say at Assembly is also said at the end of our school day.

Winning AlphaMax Spelling Bee team 2014

Sometimes the director of the deputy director speaks to us about something important, or some topic to inspire us. He also makes announcements. On Mondays and Fridays, we also sing the national anthem before Assembly is dismissed. At Christmas time we sing Christmas songs instead of the usual hymns.

Being at Assembly has helped me to appreciate the importance of silence, the value of singing and the power of affirmations. 

Nomi Vriesde
Grade 9 -AlphaMax Academy