Loyalty and Courage are two virtues appreciated in Chinese traditional culture for thousands of years. Loyalty is the selflessness and consistency of human beings to the universe, truth, belief, duty, country and other people by trying the best to fulfill their obligations. Courage is boldness and fearlessness, self-sacrifice for righteousness, and unyielding spirit. It is the inexhaustible motivation for the Chinese nation to overcome obstacles and become stronger.

In Chinese Studies classes during these two weeks, Year 5 students took their initiative to learn the two topics of Loyalty and Courage under their teachers’ instruction.

In class, students watched the historical story of LIN Xiangru Returning the Jade to the State of Zhao, in which Xiangru demonstrated loyalty by sacrificing his own life to protect the country’s interest. He also showed courage by encountering the powerful state of Qin by fearlessness. Besides, Xiangru displayed his wisdom as he managed to return the jade to the state of Zhao in spite of Qin Emperor’s conspiracy. After watching the film, students gained an in-depth understanding of the meaning of intelligence and courage. In addition, they created comics of the story based on their own understanding.

The story of Yueh Fei’s Tattoo by His Mother enabled us to know Yueh Fei and his mother. Students were deeply touched by the righteous mother and Yueh Fei’s loyalty to serve the country. Heroes have significant emotional appeal to children. When hearing of Yueh Fei’s death caused by the traitor minister QIN Hui, children were filled with astonishment, anger and pity on their faces. Some of them even clenched their fists and tapped on the desks…When the class was over, quite a few students, with indignation, were still asking the teacher for more historical details.

Y5D Co-teacher – Olivia ZHANG

Our Primary teachers spent Tuesday 2 January engaged in a range of Professional Development sessions aimed at improving student learning and safety at school.

While some teachers studied First Aid and CPR, others were ensuring they are familiar with how to operate a Fire Extinguisher in case of Emergency and putting out real fires.

We were also privileged to hear from Occupational Therapist, Eva Ma. Eva has more than 20 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy and was referred to us from LIH Olivia’s Place. Eva shared, among other things, about the importance of supporting students in developing their core and upper body strength in order to facilitate their fine motor skill development and handwriting. This affirms the importance of what teachers are doing in class during Class Teacher PE sessions and brain breaks and our campus wide focus this year on developing children’s Minds, Bodies and Hearts.

Primary Vice Principal – Sherrilie BURTON

 

Where are you from?

I am from Finland.

How long have you been at YCIS HQ?

I have been here for nearly 2 years.

What do you enjoy most about learning here?

My favourite subject is Art.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I really like ice-skating and I learn ballet.

Can you share a favourite movie?

My favourite movie is Harry Potter.

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU

Where are you from?

I am from London in England. This is my first year at YCIS.

Where were you teaching before coming to YCIS?

Before moving to Shanghai I was teaching at the British School of Taipei.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at YCIS?

My lovely class. The students here are all excited about learning.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I once cycled all the way around Taiwan!

Can you share a favourite quote?

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. – Dr Seuss

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU