After attending the 10th Global Confucius Institute Conference and the 12th World Chinese Language Conference, the CIE delegates paid a visit to Shandong. Arrangements were made by the Shandong Education Department for Dr. Sandra Stoddord and Dr. Wei Li to visit the Taishan School, which is one of the Edmonton’s Confucius Classroom partner schools.
Taishan School is located near Mount Tai, one of the most famous mountains in all of China. Taishan School is a partner school of Lillian Osborne High School. Taishan is an elite institution with more than ten thousand students, ranging through kindergarten, elementary, junior and senor high school programs.
During the visit, the delegates were able to visit the classrooms at different levels and observe teaching and learning in progress. The visit with teachers and students left a deep impression for the delegates.
Mr. Zhou, the principal, welcomed the delegates, with whom he had a great conversation. He expressed the appreciation of the opportunities provided through the exchange program and the activities between schools. He mentioned that he looked forward to further cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the students and teachers, which will enhance our mutual global education objectives.
After the school visit, the delegates also had the opportunity to visit the hometown of Confucius, Qufu. During the visit, the delegates paid a visit to Confucius compound, Confucius’ residence and the cemetery still used for descendants of Confucius’ Family. The visit enriched understanding of Chinese culture for the delegates.