Before the holiday in K3A we had many small interests such as, rescue vehicles, cutting out, snakes and bears. This last week the children extended their curiosity and knowledge about four special bears: Polar Bear, Panda, Brown Bear and the Sun Bear. The children had a discussion about the bears’ habitats and what they eat. Many of the children shared their previous knowledge and understanding about bears. We made a graph, where the children got to pick out what bear they would like to be. The children also enjoyed reading and then retelling the stories of ‘Sneezy Bear’ and ‘Itchy Bear’, both written by Neil Griffiths.

K3A Co-teacher – Kirstin EASTON & Lihong YU

For Year 3 students at YCIS, there are lots of new and exciting changes that happen as they transition from Year 2. Not only do students get to choose their own food in the cafeteria, which seems to be the most thrilling change of all, but Year 3 classes must get used to a new learning environment in the B and C buildings. While the Year 3 classrooms are housed on the ground floor of B building, classes attend their specialist lessons in C building.

In order to become familiar with where specialist classes take place, teachers took students on a guided tour of the B and C buildings on the first day back at school. Year 3 students now have the responsibility of choosing what food they would like to eat at lunch. They are always encouraged to enjoy a healthy lunch in order to help keep them focused on all the learning that goes on during the school day.

Year 3 Leader & Y3A Co-teacher – Lydia FISHER

History is a mirror of society. It reflects the prosperity and decline of a society and also records people’s living conditions during different times. Costumes are a beautiful and interesting mirror of history.

In Chinese Studies classes, Year 4 students gained a general knowledge of ancient costumes in various dynasties with distinctive features. Costumes in the Qin and Han Dynasties are known for simplicity and solemnness; costumes in the Tang Dynasty for luxury and splendidness; costumes in the Song Dynasty for delicacy; costumes in the Ming Dynasty for elegance and the Qing Dynasty for gracefulness, etc.

When mentioning the Crown of the Han Dynasty, students not only learned its use, which was worn by ancient emperors and ministers on Worship Ceremonies, but also gained a further understanding of its unique structure. The children were particularly surprised to know the jade beads on the silk ribbons of the Crown were meant to remind the Crown wearers not to hear and believe slander, which made them become quite amazed by the extensive and profound Chinese culture.

Students took an active part role as little designers and designed their own ancient costumes by choosing styles, designing patterns, painting colors and matching accessories. Some costumes were bright and pure such as a Brocade Scarf; some were luxurious and elegant with traditional patterns; some were detail-oriented with delicate figures on sleeves, collar and garment, etc.

When the class was over, students were still lingering on the charm of Chinese ancient costumes…

 

Y4D Class Teacher—Rosie JIN

Last Friday 13^th October Hongqiao ECE and Primary students and staff came together to celebrate Founder’s Day. This was the 6^th Annual Celebration of the founding of the first Yew Chung school in Hong Kong in 1932 by Madame Tsang Chor-hang. This year was a special celebration to honour our founder in recognition of the fact that, over the past 85 years, her vision has grown to encompass six YCIS schools throughout Hong Kong, mainland China and Silicon Valley in addition to ten YWIES schools in mainland China.

At HQ Campus, our Primary students began the day with a variety of sports events including team games and relays, playing with parachutes and dancing to get our heart rate going. Later in the morning we gathered together – virtually – with students and staff from all of the aforementioned YCIS and YWIES schools to hear from our CEO and Madame Chor-hang’s daughter, Dr Betty Chan. We also had the opportunity to hear from and see the ways in which our peers at other campuses and schools were celebrating the day. Following this exciting live broadcast, our Primary students enjoyed some more friendly competition in the form of staff and student tug-o-war competitions and our ECE children sang Happy Birthday to our school.

Founder’s Day is a wonderful demonstration each year of the ways in which we are working to develop, in our diverse student body, a sense of community, cooperation and connectedness.

Primary Vice Principal – Sherrilie BURTON

Where are you from?

My father is from Israel and my mother was originally from South Africa. I was born in Australia but I have lived in Shanghai my whole life.

How long have you been at YCIS HQ?

I have been here for 5 years.

What do you enjoy most about learning here?

My favourite subject is Chinese because I enjoy learning the language and culture.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I have broken 11 bones over the course of my life. Mrs Burton says I need to look after myself!

Can you share a favourite quote?

My favourite quote is “I didn’t come here to be average.”

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU

Where are you from?

I am from Scotland.

How long have you been a teacher?

I have been teaching for 16 years and this is my first year at YCIS.

What do you enjoy most about teaching Music?

I enjoy encouraging children to be creative and expressive.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I know British Sign Language.

Can you share a favourite book?

My favourite book is ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ because it is a story about the importance of hope and optimism.

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU