At John Paul II Catholic School, the spirit of the Chinese New Year came alive as Mandarin teacher Dr. Annie Chen guided students through a colorful celebration of one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. In honor of the Year of the Snake, Mandarin classes adorned their classroom and hallways with colorful posters and traditional decorations, bringing good fortune and joy their learning space and all who walked the JPII halls.

The highlight of the celebration was an exciting field trip to a local Asian market and a Chinese restaurant in Savannah. “Students were amazed by the vast variety of foods, snacks, and cultural items in the market, experiencing the assortment of Chinese cuisine and traditions,” said Dr. Chen. “At the restaurant, they put their Mandarin language skills to the test, ordering food in Chinese. It was an eye-opening experience that blended language, culture, and delicious food!”

The Importance of Learning Mandarin at JPII

At JPII, learning Mandarin goes beyond the classroom—it opens doors to understanding one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures. Chinese is the most spoken language globally, and with China's growing impact on international business, trade, and technology, proficiency in Mandarin provides students with a valuable skill set that can enhance their future careers.

“Beyond language acquisition, studying Chinese customs and traditions nurtures global awareness, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation,” according to Dr. Chen. “Students gain insight into customs such as giving red envelopes (hongbao) for luck, family reunions, and the significance of foods like dumplings and fish for prosperity. By embracing these traditions, students not only develop linguistic skills but also a deeper respect for cultural diversity—an essential trait for tomorrow’s leaders.”

A Future of Global Connections

“Learning a new language challenges student to think differently, improve cognitive skills, and strengthen problem-solving abilities,” said JPII Principal Heather Rembold. “It encourages confidence, adaptability, and bridging cultural gaps, all of which are essential for success in an increasingly interconnected world. With Dr. Chen’s guidance, JPII’s Mandarin students are not just learning words and phrases—they are becoming global citizens, equipped with the language and cultural knowledge to connect with people across the world.

So “Xin Nian Kuai Le!” (Happy New Year!), join us as we at JPII celebrate not just a festival, but the growth, learning, and endless opportunities that come with embracing new languages and cultures.

JPII Students and Staff attending field trip to Savannah:

8th graders – Sullivan Conte, Cia Douglass, Dayani Gomez, Taryn McKamey, Mitchell Mejia Ramos, Bianca Ramirez, Jhosep Ramirez Valduz, Brayden Rickenbach, Azalea Slusne, Janette Trejo

9th graders – Bella DePodesta, Luis Melgar, Nate Miller, Nicole Orosco, Roxy Trejo, Katie Zhang, Roman Bodziony, Ashley Haley, MK Saleeby

10th graders – Sang Le, Tai Le, Aanya Patel, Eden Stabak

Chaperones – Dr. Annie Chen, Mr. Ed Kenny