26 September 2025
It has been a busy and rewarding week for our senior Chinese students, with both an excursion and a debating competition showcasing their learning and enthusiasm. On Wednesday, 18 September, our Years 10 to 12 Chinese classes went on an excursion to the Eastend Palace Nova cinema to watch the film YOLO (热辣滚烫).
The movie follows the story of Du Leying, an introverted woman who finds new direction and self-confidence through the unlikely world of boxing. At its core, YOLO conveys a powerful message about perseverance, self-growth, and the courage to take control of one’s life. Our students found the film both moving and inspiring, as it encouraged them to reflect on resilience and personal transformation. Afterwards, students walked to Chinatown for a cultural lunch experience at an Uyghur restaurant.
They enjoyed a variety of local specialties, such as handmade noodles, kebabs, and other regional dishes that highlighted the diversity within Chinese cuisine. For many, it was their first time tasting Uyghur food, and they were impressed by the rich flavours. The meal was not only delicious but also provided valuable insight into the traditions of one of China’s many ethnic groups.
The excursion was a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their cultural understanding outside the classroom. Combining film, food, and time spent together, the day created a memorable experience that students thoroughly enjoyed.
Earlier in the week, on Sunday 14 September, four students represented our School in the South Australian Chinese Debating Competition for High School Students.
Congratulations to Lambi Choi (Year 12), Lucas Wang (Year 11), Mason Qian (Year 9), and Axel Ling (Year 12), who had already achieved success in the preliminary and semi-final rounds to qualify for the state final. The final debate focused on the thought-provoking topic: “The sign of young people’s maturity is resistance or compromise” (年轻人迈向成熟的标志是反抗还是妥协). Our team argued the affirmative side — that resistance is a key sign of maturity. After many hours of preparation, our students delivered a strong performance. Although they finished as runners-up, their effort, teamwork, and determination were highly commendable.
A special congratulations goes to Lucas Wang (Year 11), who was awarded Best Debater Overall for his exceptional performance throughout the competition. Both the excursion and the debating competition provided valuable opportunities for students to broaden their horizons, practise critical skills, and celebrate Chinese language and culture.
Ms Xiaoning Wang
Acting Coordinator of Chinese
