This month, with the support and collaboration of the school, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Victoria Park Academy organized distinctive lower-grade parent-child autumn-winter field trip and independent military training activities for the higher-grades.
By incorporating diverse and colorful activities such as fun sports, traditional handicraft experiences, and military training, not only did it enhance the relationship between parents and children, but it also allowed the children to experience the charm of nature and traditional Chinese culture in outdoor activities. At the same time, it helped in physical exercise, broadened their horizons, and showed the school spirit.
In the segment of fun sports, parents organized various creative activities. Parents and children actively participated and enjoyed the pleasure of sports. This "learn through playing, play through learning" approach fully embodied the characteristics of cooperation, and active engagement.
Children also excitedly went to the cute pet paradise, carefully offering carrots to the goats. The animals seemed to sense our students' kindness and accepted their offerings with gentleness. Interacting with these small animals provided our students with an educational experience about life, fostering their awareness and respect for living beings. Through observation and hands-on experience, children could gain a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts in life sciences such as ecological balance and biodiversity.
In the session of experiencing traditional Chinese handicrafts, the children visited the Mission Hills Handicraft Center – the most comprehensive hands-on experience facility in China and the richest base for intangible cultural heritage inheritance.
Our VPA Parent-Teacher Association invited professional handicraft teachers to introduce the exquisite skills of traditional Chinese handicrafts to parents and children. Children observed glass blowing craftsmanship and actively participated in various activities such as poetry letterpress printing, traditional rubbing, hand-cranked sound postcards, glass mosaic, tie-dye scarves, tree-ring wooden art, and botanical mechanics leaf imprinting hand-pinched plates.
Children were all deeply influenced by the process of crafting these handmade items, gaining a speical experience of the wisdom from our ancestors. Through this, they not only understood the unique charm and value of traditional culture but were also able to appreciate the cultural heritage passed down through generations.
As global citizens with Chinese hearts, we believe that VPA students will continue to cherish and pass on these priceless cultural heritages while exploring the world in the rapidly changing times ahead.
"Swords are sharpened through grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from enduring the bitter cold."
In this fast-paced society, children need more opportunities to exercise and temper their will. To cultivate the resilience and noble character of our students, we specifically organized a two-day overnight military training camp for students in year 4-7.
The moment they took off their school uniforms and put on military uniforms, the inner strength of our students was gradually ignited.
During the self-introduction and team formation session, they showed their unique personalities, creativity, and confident expression. With a positive attitude, they actively engaged in various training activities.
VPA and PTA deliberately invited professional military training instructors to guide the students in shaping disciplined military actions and demeanor. Under the guidance of the instructors, students collectively participated in training sessions covering youth safety education, everyday first aid techniques, military drills, formation exercises, and martial arts.
We hope that children, like all things in nature, can have brilliant moments of blossoming and exhibit resilient characters when facing the cold wind. The cold wind in winter may blow away the leaves, but it can never topple the pine and cypress trees. Always maintaining an optimistic attitude, spring will arrive again and again.
Whether it's the field trip for the lower grades or the independent military training camp for the higher grades, we emphasize the importance of parent-child interaction and collaborative education between home and school. Parents, the school, and students all participate together, mutually supporting each other, and building strong bonds.
A heartfelt thank you for the support from the parents, enabling our students to present themselves and develop their abilities on various stages. This has greatly contributed to their comprehensive growth.
Looking ahead, we look forward to more collaboration with parents in education, moving forward hand in hand. By regularly organizing parent-child activities, we aim to enhance communication and interaction between parents and our school, contributing to the whole growth of our students. This ensures that learning takes place not only within the confines of the classroom.
