Article courtesy of Mt Maria College, Mitchelton.
On Friday 24th of August, Year 9 and 10 local students who are studying Chinese at Mt Maria College, Mitchelton and St Paul’s School at Bald Hills, joined together in the Chinese District Network Schools (CDNS) Immersion Day hosted by Mt Maria College, Mitchelton. The day was organised by the CDNS and sponsored by the Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland.
Nine Chinese teachers from the Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland came and supported the Immersion Day by teaching our students various traditional Chinese art activities – Chinese knot tying, Chinese calligraphy writing, painting and paper cutting.
As the Chinese saying goes, “food is the people’s paramount concern” (民以食为天) [mín yǐ shí wéi tiān]. Lunch was provided by a local Chinese restaurant and UQ’s Confucius Institute supported the funding for the lunch, catering for over 60 students. Dishes included Honey Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Fried Rice and Stir-fry vegetables - the students loved it!
The day finished with students divided into three groups for their final rotation of activities – Tai chi, Buddhism, and Ancient Chinese folk toys.
Overall, the Immersion Day was a tremendous success where it motivated and encouraged students to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture, as well as continuing the well-established relationship the between CDNS and the Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland.
In upcoming months, the CDNS will commence planning for the 2019 UQ Confucius Institute Chinese District Network Schools Immersion Day.
According to Confucius’ teachings, the inscription on the bathtub of Emperor Tang reads, “If you renew yourself for one day, you can renew yourself daily, and continue to do so.” CDNS will strive to improve each year with better and more engaging Immersion Days for our students.
Once again, the CDNS would like to thank the continuous support throughout these past years from the Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland. CDNS will continue to promote, nurture and motivate all students in Queensland to recognise the importance of learning and appreciating Chinese language and culture in the 21st century.