Chinese culture day a hit

CHINESE CULTURE DAY: Ji Wei takes a group for tai chi, a martial art known for self defence and health benefits. Pictures by Liam Clayton

STUDENTS at Kaiti School were treated to tai chi lessons from Ji Wei, the national adviser for Chinese at the University of Auckland, during Chinese Culture Day last week.

Principal Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton said the school had established a relationship with Ji Wei to support their long-term plans for teaching Mandarin at the school.

“The students were overwhelmed by the tai chi lessons. Tai chi is a strategy we can use to relax our minds and bodies and will now be part of Mandarin lessons at Kaiti,” she said.

The lead teacher for Mandarin, Megan Windybank, recently returned from a professional development trip to China and brought back many resources and ideas, one of which was to share her experiences with the school in a hands-on way, Mrs Potaka-Ayton said.

“With the support of other Mandarin teachers in Gisborne, Megan delivered two days of learning experiences.

“Kaiti School provides Mandarin programmes because we know that being connected with others globally will be a necessary tool when our Kaiti kids are adults. Having the ability to communicate in another language will open doors in the future.

“Language is about talking, and talking is fundamental in establishing positive relationships with others."

Kaiti School shares a Mandarin teacher with Ilminster Intermediate and Waikirikiri School, and students participate in two lessons a week. The Mandarin teacher programme is funded by the Confucius Institute NZ.