Happy Lunar New Year! Our weekend began early with the delicious and successful Lunar New Year Community Dinner.
Friday brought us a few exciting end-of-the-lunar-year events for students to enjoy. Students cheered on their classmates at an away game for the Women’s Varsity Basketball, as our defending State Champions beat cross-town rivals Marin Academy.
Friday also offered fun activities for students who were not involved with sports. From free time in the gym, weight room, and the Conservatory, to off-campus excursions at the movies in Fairfax or Kuma Cafe in San Rafael, students were encouraged to spread their wings and enjoy the improved weather. Several students branched out and joined the trip to Kuma Cafe—trying boba for the first time or experimenting with new flavors—which gave the group a reason to bond and share in the uniqueness together. Liza K. ’26 and Courtney T. ’24 joined together to celebrate their enjoyed boba experience, from Liza’s continued passion for the snack to Courtney’s new excitement. Courtney, having her first experience at Kuma Cafe, displayed her drink in front of their custom artwork in the cafe.
On Saturday, two vans took a large group of students to Union Square, where they enjoyed exploring San Francisco and the Lunar New Year festivities. For those students who remained on campus, we opened all options, including a raffle for two new pairs of Crocs! Students were incredibly excited, cheering on their classmates who won pairs of Crocs (Angelo N. ’23 and Josefina V. ’26) and then swapping Crocs pins together. Friends were happily exchanging pins together. Siblings Ridwaan A. ’26 and Amarah A. ’24 were just as enthusiastic, with Amarah supporting Ridwaan in his rush and excitement to leave the gym early to join in the festivities.
On Sunday, we welcomed the official Lunar New Year! Many students were off campus celebrating with extended family and friends, while those on campus celebrated together. Our Asian Student Association (ASA) offers an annual dumpling making event, in which students make and enjoy delicious dumplings. Students joined in the celebration and made new friends, bonded over the shared celebration, and enjoyed the amazing food. Others joined Resident Faculty Matt Polsinello for his weekly cooking class, this week featuring California Rolls and Cucumber Sushi.
Monday brought a return to the school week, as well as a return to beautiful weather. Various sports teams had games, including the Men’s Soccer team. For the students on campus, we offered activities from skincare face masks in Mercedes to various faculty-led events throughout the school in the Conversatory, weight room, gym, art studio, and library. Students gathered together to work on group assignments in Mercedes, including Arda K. ’24 and David N. ’23. One of the lasting benefits of a boarding environment is being able to work together in groups and share in the academic pursuits. It has been particularly enjoyable to watch students of different backgrounds and ages join together to complete mutual goals.
From everyone here in the Boarding Program, I wish you the happiest Lunar New Year and a continuation of the joy we have been a party to here at San Domenico.
– Resident Dorm Head Jessica Farley