February 6, 2026 - Elementary School Principal Blog

Dear Parents,

Today, we gathered as a school to celebrate the Lunar New Year. We were treated to some amazing performances, such as the lion dance, martial arts, guzheng playing, face changing, and our very talented Chinese Mom’s dance. A huge thank you to our Parent Association and Chinese Parent group for arranging the performances, hong bao, and special treats for all ISY students. 

While we all gather under the same new moon, the Lunar New Year, often called Chunjie in China, Seollal in Korea, and Tết in Vietnam, is celebrated with distinct and beautiful customs:

• 🇨🇳China (Chunjie): Known as the Spring Festival, it is a season of vibrant red and gold. Families gather for a "reunion dinner," exchange red envelopes (hongbao or lai see) for luck, and enjoy lion dances to ward off old energy and welcome a prosperous year. We are moving into the Year of the Horse.
• 🇰🇷Korea (Seollal): This is a time centered on family heritage and respect. Many dress in traditional hanbok, perform ancestral rites, and eat tteokguk (rice cake soup). It is said that finishing your bowl of soup signifies officially turning one year older!
• 🇻🇳Vietnam (Tết Nguyên Đán): Tết celebrates the arrival of Spring and a fresh start. Homes are decorated with peach blossoms or apricot flowers. A central tradition is enjoying bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes), and much like the other cultures, elders pass out red envelopes (lì xì) to children to spread joy and luck.

Our 5th Graders embark on a 2-night, 3-day expedition next week. This is a special time of bonding within the G5 class, as well as a time to appreciate the outdoors, engage in new activities, and bring our curriculum to life outside the walls of ISY. We wish our 5th graders all the best on this adventure.

A reminder that we will break for Union Day and the Lunar New Year from February 12-17. School resumes on February 18.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Mr. Geoff Heney 
Elementary School Principal