We enjoyed hearing from some of our Chinese students about how they celebrated Chinese New Year. It was interesting to learn that families in Southern China tend to eat more fish and seafood for their celebrations, whilst families in Northern China often eat dumplings, filled with different kinds of meat and vegetables. We also learned that the colour red symbolises good fortune and joy, and that gold symbolises wealth and prosperity. 

We started our collaborative artwork in our first week back at school, but with so much happening, it has taken a while for it to come together. I hope you agree that it was worth the wait. One of the things that we learnt from working collaboratively is that even though some of us make mistakes or work slowly, by working together and helping each other the overall effect is still amazing.

Here's what the children had to say about their collaborative artwork: 

• '[the result of] our hard work is amazing!'

• 'It looks more awesome than I thought it would.' 

• 'Teamwork is what was needed for this' 

• 'I love the snake. It looks scary and awesome.'

• 蛇年快乐 — (Happy year of the Snake!)

• 'It looks so bright and colourful.'

• 'It's the best thing we've done so far in Year 4' 

• 'I love that every person in our class made it.'

• 'I'm proud of our teamwork.' 

• 'Teamwork makes the dream work!'