Confucius Classroom Opening

The St Kevin's College Confucius Classroom was formally opened this week during an afternoon ceremony held in the College Auditorium.  We were joined by distinguished guests Mayor Gary Kircher, Professor Hong Hu from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury, the Education Consul Mr Yucai Li from the Chinese Consulate in Christchurch, as well as Principals/staff/students from Waitaki Boys’ High School, Waitaki Girl’s High School, St Jospeh's Primary School and Weston Primary School, and members of the Oamaru Chinese Association and local Chinese community. 

The brass plaque, which will be mounted in the classroom, was revealed during the ceremony by Mayor Kircher, Mr Li, Professor Hu and Mr Olsen.  Diane Vidallon sang a song in Chinese to conclude the ceremony.  Guests were then invited to visit the classroom before joining Mr Olsen at the Redcastle for afternoon tea where a cake made by local woman Joy Wang was cut to mark the occasion.

As part of the celebrations the College held an Confucius Celebrations Evening to host a number of hands on activities for members of the community to try.  With demonstrations on everything from Kung Fu and Tai Chi, to Plate Painting and Chinese Knots there was something for everyone.  The Paper Cutting in the Library was particularly popular, as was Ms Yunbing Chen’s Chinese Tea Ceremony.  However the stars of the evening were the children from Weston school who performed a short concert which included “London Bridge” in Chinese.  The evening concluded with a Chinese Supper which was hosted by the Oamaru Chinese Association.  St Kevin’s College is extremely grateful to both the Confucius Institute and the Oamaru Chinese Association for all of their assistance in organising the evening's activities.  

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