Written by Hui Jin & Anran Lan, Mandarin Language Assistants, John Paul II High School.
Photo 1: Students booklet
Photo 2: Achievement board
In our Mandarin language classes, students have been experiencing a fun and engaging new reward system. Whenever they show great participation, answer questions correctly, or demonstrate excellent effort, they earn points.
These points are then exchanged for special stamps in a personalized booklet. What makes the booklet unique is its design—it is inspired by traditional Chinese memorials to the emperor, called zouzhe (奏折). Each student’s booklet is decorated with a custom cartoon avatar, making it both personal and culturally meaningful. The system has quickly become a favourite in class. Students are excited to collect stamps, and the blend of creativity with Chinese cultural elements has added extra motivation to their learning journey.
This approach not only encourages active participation but also connects students with Chinese traditions in a playful and memorable way.
2025 Tui Tuia Professional Development Trip to Beijing
Written by Selma Dancy, Chinese Language Teacher, Orewa College.
Photo 1: Experience Tea Art
Photo 2: Visit Beijing Petroleum Affiliated Primary School
Photo 3: Visit the Great Wall
Photo 4: Visit the Forbidden City
Our 2025 professional development journey to Beijing, organised by Tui Tuia and supported by the Beijing Language and Culture University, was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. Each day offered new opportunities to use Mandarin in real-life contexts and to deepen our appreciation of Chinese culture through hands-on learning and exploration.
The trip was filled with memorable highlights, but few could top actually walking on the Great Wall of China — and the absolute smugness of telling the story of riding a luge down from it afterwards! The laughter, excitement, and shared sense of learning made it an experience none of us will ever forget. Hands-on sessions in tea appreciation and the traditional tea ceremony, as well as paper cutting, calligraphy, and oil painting, provided creative and memorable ways to connect with Chinese traditions and gave us a deeper understanding of Chinese artistry and beauty in everyday traditions.
Another standout moment was our visit to a truly impressive Chinese primary school, where we were warmly welcomed by hardworking and friendly teachers and students. Their enthusiasm for learning and pride in their school left a lasting impression on us all. A true strength of the trip was the wonderful mix of participants. We were especially lucky to have part of our group being native Mandarin speakers, whose warmth, knowledge, and encouragement greatly supported the confidence and learning of non-native participants. Thank you all for being part of my learning journey.
We return home feeling incredibly grateful, inspired, and more connected to the culture and language. I know we are all motivated to share our new knowledge and experiences with our students and colleagues. Tài gǎn xiè le Tui Tuia and BLCU, for such a remarkable and joy-filled professional learning adventure!
Celebrating the Double Ninth Festival (重阳节 Chóngyáng Jié)
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, falls on 29 October 2025 this year. It is a day to honour and show gratitude to elders, appreciate the beauty of nature, and reflect on the value of health and longevity.
In ancient China, the number nine was considered yang (阳), symbolising strength and vitality. The ninth day of the ninth month, being a double yang day, was regarded as particularly fortunate. People traditionally climbed mountains, drank chrysanthemum wine, and wore cornel leaves to ward off bad luck. Today, the festival is also known as Senior Citizens’ Day, encouraging families to spend time with their older relatives and express love and respect.
Teachers can use this short video to introduce the festival and give students some background knowledge:
Festive China - Double Ninth Festival
After learning about the festival, students can take part in a calming classroom activity by following a simple Qi Gong routine. This promotes wellbeing and connects with the festival’s theme of health and longevity. Teachers can play the first three minutes of this video for students to try gentle movements together:
Movement Meditation - Qi Gong For Kids
The Double Ninth Festival reminds us that caring for our elders is not only a family duty but also a cultural value that strengthens communities. This idea resonates with manaakitanga and whanaungatanga in Aotearoa New Zealand, which emphasise kindness, hospitality, and intergenerational connection.
By celebrating the Double Ninth Festival, students can appreciate the shared human values of respect, health, and togetherness.
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2025 - Chinese - Term 4 Newsletter Articles
Earn Stamps, Learn Chinese, Have Fun!
Written by Hui Jin & Anran Lan, Mandarin Language Assistants, John Paul II High School.
Photo 1: Students booklet
Photo 2: Achievement board
In our Mandarin language classes, students have been experiencing a fun and engaging new reward system. Whenever they show great participation, answer questions correctly, or demonstrate excellent effort, they earn points.
These points are then exchanged for special stamps in a personalized booklet. What makes the booklet unique is its design—it is inspired by traditional Chinese memorials to the emperor, called zouzhe (奏折). Each student’s booklet is decorated with a custom cartoon avatar, making it both personal and culturally meaningful. The system has quickly become a favourite in class. Students are excited to collect stamps, and the blend of creativity with Chinese cultural elements has added extra motivation to their learning journey.
This approach not only encourages active participation but also connects students with Chinese traditions in a playful and memorable way.
2025 Tui Tuia Professional Development Trip to Beijing
Written by Selma Dancy, Chinese Language Teacher, Orewa College.
Photo 1: Experience Tea Art
Photo 2: Visit Beijing Petroleum Affiliated Primary School
Photo 3: Visit the Great Wall
Photo 4: Visit the Forbidden City
Our 2025 professional development journey to Beijing, organised by Tui Tuia and supported by the Beijing Language and Culture University, was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. Each day offered new opportunities to use Mandarin in real-life contexts and to deepen our appreciation of Chinese culture through hands-on learning and exploration.
The trip was filled with memorable highlights, but few could top actually walking on the Great Wall of China — and the absolute smugness of telling the story of riding a luge down from it afterwards! The laughter, excitement, and shared sense of learning made it an experience none of us will ever forget. Hands-on sessions in tea appreciation and the traditional tea ceremony, as well as paper cutting, calligraphy, and oil painting, provided creative and memorable ways to connect with Chinese traditions and gave us a deeper understanding of Chinese artistry and beauty in everyday traditions.
Another standout moment was our visit to a truly impressive Chinese primary school, where we were warmly welcomed by hardworking and friendly teachers and students. Their enthusiasm for learning and pride in their school left a lasting impression on us all. A true strength of the trip was the wonderful mix of participants. We were especially lucky to have part of our group being native Mandarin speakers, whose warmth, knowledge, and encouragement greatly supported the confidence and learning of non-native participants. Thank you all for being part of my learning journey.
We return home feeling incredibly grateful, inspired, and more connected to the culture and language. I know we are all motivated to share our new knowledge and experiences with our students and colleagues. Tài gǎn xiè le Tui Tuia and BLCU, for such a remarkable and joy-filled professional learning adventure!
Celebrating the Double Ninth Festival (重阳节 Chóngyáng Jié)
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, falls on 29 October 2025 this year. It is a day to honour and show gratitude to elders, appreciate the beauty of nature, and reflect on the value of health and longevity.
In ancient China, the number nine was considered yang (阳), symbolising strength and vitality. The ninth day of the ninth month, being a double yang day, was regarded as particularly fortunate. People traditionally climbed mountains, drank chrysanthemum wine, and wore cornel leaves to ward off bad luck. Today, the festival is also known as Senior Citizens’ Day, encouraging families to spend time with their older relatives and express love and respect.
Teachers can use this short video to introduce the festival and give students some background knowledge:
Festive China - Double Ninth Festival
After learning about the festival, students can take part in a calming classroom activity by following a simple Qi Gong routine. This promotes wellbeing and connects with the festival’s theme of health and longevity. Teachers can play the first three minutes of this video for students to try gentle movements together:
Movement Meditation - Qi Gong For Kids
The Double Ninth Festival reminds us that caring for our elders is not only a family duty but also a cultural value that strengthens communities. This idea resonates with manaakitanga and whanaungatanga in Aotearoa New Zealand, which emphasise kindness, hospitality, and intergenerational connection.
By celebrating the Double Ninth Festival, students can appreciate the shared human values of respect, health, and togetherness.
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