The origins of Halloween in the United States
Halloween has its roots in Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest. Introduced to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century, it has evolved into the celebration we know today. Costumes, decorated pumpkins and the traditional candy hunt are all part of this popular celebration. At New School Lyon, we want our students to understand the history of this festival. As a result, they can appreciate its cultural richness and its place in American heritage.
The pumpkin carving competition: creativity at its best
This year, the highlight of our Halloween celebrations was the first edition of our pumpkin carving competition. Each child who volunteered was able to give free rein to their imagination by decorating their pumpkin. From spooky smiles and colourful designs to surprising creations, the pupils showed off their creativity. The jury, made up of teachers and staff, had the difficult task of choosing between the superb creations. Congratulations to Youssef, a CE2A pupil, for his particularly successful pumpkin! In addition, special mentions were awarded, such as the "most girly" or the "most in keeping with the theme", chosen by the Parents' Association (APE). The event strengthened the ties between the pupils, their families and our school community.
Learning while having fun: cultural immersion and memories
At New School Lyon, we believe that every holiday is an opportunity to learn in a different way. Halloween gives our students the chance to discover a new culture while having fun. They immerse themselves in American legends and customs, enriching their curiosity and open-mindedness. Throughout the year, we continue this approach with celebrations from different cultures. In this way, each festive activity becomes a lesson in life. These moments of sharing create unforgettable memories, whether it's the pumpkin competition, exchanges with teachers or the general excitement of the party.
Halloween 2024 will remain etched in our students' memories. It was a great time of creativity, discovery and conviviality. Congratulations to all our little artists for their enthusiasm and talent! A big thank you also to the families for their participation in this memorable event.
