06 December 2024
Last week, our Junior School had the remarkable privilege of showcasing our students’ talents at two prestigious events as part of the 2024 Australia China International Film Festival (ACIFF). These events not only highlighted the skills and passion of our students but also emphasised the importance of fostering cultural connections and raising awareness for global biodiversity conservation.
Shelly Yu, the mother of Year 4 Henry Zhou in our School community, has proudly been the Chairperson of the Australia China International Film Festival. She has contributed significantly to cultural exchange events and initiatives in South Australia for decades, truly demonstrating our exceptional community of learning vision.
Animal Conservation Tourism Fair at Adelaide Zoo
On Wednesday night, November 20, 10 of our Year 3 boys performed “Give Animals A Home” at the Animal Conservation Tourism Fair held at the Adelaide Zoo.
This meaningful event, graced by the presence of five renowned Chinese movie stars, focused on the critical themes of endangered species conservation and sustainable tourism. The boys’ heartfelt performance of the song, which debuted at last year’s Year 1/2 concert, resonated deeply with the audience. It served as a touching reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s wildlife and inspired attendees with a vision of hope for a sustainable future.
Australia and China’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation was a key highlight of the evening. From China’s groundbreaking efforts in panda conservation to Australia’s initiatives protecting species like koalas, the event underscored how collaboration across borders can drive meaningful environmental change.
ACIFF Closing Ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre
The excitement continued on Thursday evening, November 21, when 14 of our students performed the beloved Panda Song at the ACIFF Closing Ceremony held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
This grand event, supported by committee chair the Honourable Andrew Robb AO, brought together an international audience of movie stars, filmmakers, cultural ambassadors, and community leaders. Our boys opened the ceremony with a lively and spirited performance that captivated the audience.
Their energy, enthusiasm, and deep connection to the song brought the room to life, setting the tone for the evening. In my proud opinion as their teacher, they truly outshone even the famous superstars in attendance. Their passion for pandas, music, and learning Chinese created a powerful emotional connection, demonstrating that love and art can bridge language barriers and cultural divides.
Significance of These Events
These two events beautifully highlighted the shared commitment of Australia and China to both cultural exchange and biodiversity conservation. By combining education, music, and environmental awareness, they showcased the profound impact young people can have in promoting global unity and stewardship of the planet.
For our students, these performances were not only a chance to shine on a global stage but also a meaningful way to connect with an international audience, fostering goodwill and understanding through their love of music and Chinese language.
Congratulations to all the boys who participated—you have made our School and community incredibly proud. Your hard work, dedication, and joyful performances left an indelible mark on these events and inspired all who had the pleasure of watching.
Mrs Shelby Baker
Chinese Language Teacher/ Specialist Coordinator
