1 April 2022 — Following the two-year cancellation due to the pandemic, Xavier Jesuit School finally has been able to celebrate Khmer New Year once again. Preparations and planning were underway between the primary school and high school department. Students and teachers started practicing performances and warming up for various games.
On 1st April, all students were designated in different areas to minimize the number of contacts since the issue of pandemic is still around. For primary school, the celebrations were divided into two: kindergarten students at the Multipurpose Hall and primary school students were at the PS Canteen. The event started with the singing of the national anthem, a video presentation about the different traditions during Khmer New Year, and various traditional games. The highlight of the event was the “Robam Trot” performed confidently by the Grade 5 students. All students and parents cheered for the performers. The parents cannot stop taking photos of their kids as they performed in front of the crowd. After the event, each student went home with a smile and a slice of Khmer cake as gift.
For high school, the event was held by class wherein they divided the students into 4 Houses: Compassion, Commitment, Conscience, and Competence. Each house will have to facilitate a game for their classmates. Some of the traditional and modern games played were musical chairs, leak kanseng, leaf snatching, relays, and many others. After that the students and their teachers had their snacks together enjoying some Khmer cakes, finger foods, dancing, and singing.
Indeed, it was so heartwarming to see our students and teachers enjoy Khmer New Year celebration once again. All students went home with smiles and laughter bringing with them their small prizes as they prepare for their holiday with their families.
Fr. Jinhyuk Park, the school director, addressed all the students through a letter wishing everyone good health, more happiness, and peace for this Khmer New Year holiday.
HAPPY KHMER NEW YEAR 2022!