Despite empty schoolyards and silent streets, Horizon Hanoi managed to celebrate TET online this year. The whole community, including students, staff, and parents, joined together for a virtual gathering on Zoom. Festive cheer was spread as students and staff performed traditional songs and dances to mark the occasion. Some content was filmed and edited prior to the event, while others were performed live.
Presentations were given by students on the importance and true meaning of Tet in Vietnamese culture. As well as this, previous students returned to give a hopeful speech to Horizon during these uncertain times.
This meeting was also an opportunity to launch the student council, the voice of the students at Horizon Hanoi. Members gave a speech wishing everyone a happy new year, followed by staff members and parents sharing words of comfort and encouragement, acknowledging the efforts made by the entire school community for this celebration.
To end the ceremony, the entire community took part in a ‘Kahoot’ quiz, one of the classroom resources technology has blessed us with. This was a fun way to test the cultural knowledge of everyone on the Vietnamese traditions during Tet.
This was definitely a unique celebration and one we will always remember. Although we would have prefered to be gathered together in-person, we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of our school. Nevertheless, we are lucky to have a community of students and staff who are determined and innovative, rising above obstacles when necessary. We wish everyone a safe and happy new year.
Happy New Year! Chúc mừng năm mới!