At the beginning of October, a CIE Principal Delegation paid a visit to China. The main purpose of the visit was for the principals and school district leaders to experience Chinese culture and also build a stronger relationship with our partner schools. The delegation included 5 principals and 2 trustees. During the 9 days, the delegation had opportunity to visit the Hanban/Headquarters of Confucius Institutes, the Shandong Ministry of Education as well as the Shandong partner schools of the Confucius Classroom schools from Edmonton. Through the visit, the delegation built a better understanding of the needs of their partner schools which will serve to enhance a long term, positive partnership. The deputy minister of the Shandong Ministry of Education and the Hanban leaders met the delegation and enjoyed a good exchange of ideas.
During the visit, the delegation also had opportunity to visit some of the culture highlights in Beijing, like Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as the modern city of Shanghai. The high speed train to Shanghai made a great impression on the delegation members.