On the afternoon of May 29, the cultural exchange between our school and Bendigo Dashan primary school of Australia was successfully completed. Four sixth graders spent two unforgettable days in Dongshahu School of SIP under the leadership of principal Pearce of Dashan primary school. The purpose of this cultural exchange between China and Australia is to expand students’ international vision and strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two schools. In the past two days, five teachers and students went to the classroom to experience Chinese traditional culture. At the same time, it also opened the first exchange visit between teachers and students since the two schools signed the agreement of building friendship school.

On the morning of May 28, principal Ma Liya and vice principle Yi Jing extended a warm welcome to the teachers and students of Dashan school on behalf of the school. The principals of both sides made a deep understanding of the education and teaching situation between the two schools. Principle Pearce said that since his visit to the school in May last year, he has a strong desire to reach friendly cooperation with our school. After a year, he personally led four students to visit our school again, hoping to start the exchange program of mutual visits.

Principle Ma said that there were differences in the form and concept of education between China and Australia, which became the source of mutual learning. The two schools communicated with each other in art, music, calligraphy and physical education courses to seek resonance and differences, and promote diversified and multi-perspective thinking.

Later, on behalf of Dongshahu school, principal Ma presented the print works of teachers and students as gifts to the Australian guests. Principle Pearce also enthusiastically presented Bendigo’s unique ceramic products to our school as a witness of friendship.

Through the two-day experience, principal Pearce expressed his appreciation for our students’ English competence and communication skills. He said the they were deeply impressed by their language literacy and warm company. In Dashan primary school, they were also carrying out Chinese teaching, hoping that one day, their students could communicate with Chinese children face-to-face in such fluent Chinese. Besides, Pearce spoke highly of our school’s campus culture, teachers’ professional development and students’ achievements in print, volleyball and football.

—Translated by Liu Lingyan, checked by Linfei