Mandarin Chinese Part of St Catherine School Curriculum

MANDARIN CHINESE PART OF CURRICULUM AT ST CATHERINE OF SIENA SCHOOL, NORWOOD

With the arrival of two Chinese Guest Teachers at Saint Catherine of Siena School in Norwood this Fall, every student in the school, from Pre-School to Grade 6, is learning both a European language – Spanish and an Asian language – Chinese. For the past two years, the school offered an afterschool class in Mandarin Chinese for interested students. Building on the success of that program, the Academic Excellence Subcommittee of the School Advisory Board and Saint Catherine’s School Principal, Mary Russo, knew it was time to include Mandarin Chinese as part of the curriculum at the school.

With a grant from the College Board and the Confucius Institute of China (Hanban), two Guest Teachers were recruited and are currently working with students to introduce them to Chinese language and culture. Confucius Institute (Hanban) has sent over 18,000 volunteers to 101 countries since 2004. The institute’s mission is to promote cultural and educational exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Time Asian magazine recently reported on the current need for learning Chinese worldwide and stated, “If you want to be ahead of others, learn Chinese.”

Saint Catherine of Siena School is benefiting by the energetic teaching styles of these two Chinese Guest Teachers. Mr. Peibin Tang is an experienced English and Chinese teacher and has taught at a primary school in Yunnan, China as well as in Ohio and Spain. Ms. Dayan Chen, also an experienced teacher of English and Chinese, taught in both China and Thailand. This is her first experience in the U.S. Both teachers look forward to teaching younger children and reaching out to the upper grades as the school year continues.

Tang recently introduced himself to students and parents by saying, “This is a good time to broaden your vision and understanding and learn about the diversity of this world...You will gradually find out the rewards of cross-cultural learning and communication.” Chen wants all her students to “Kuài lè” (Be happy) in her classroom. The enthusiasm and cheerfulness of both teachers are contagious as they go about their day-to-day teaching.

Each year, Saint Catherine of Siena School responds to the growing need for exceptional academic programs for its students while forming them in their faith through prayer, the sacraments, works of mercy, and daily instruction in religion. Some of the most recent introductions include a Virtues in Practice program, offering Spanish for all students beginning in Pre-School, weekly instruction in the use of Google Chromebooks, new science experiences for our Pre-School through Kindergarten programs; and a fall and spring Interscholastic Sports League for middle school boys and girls featuring soccer, baseball, and softball to supplement their already successful winter Basketball Program. Facility improvements include new classroom furniture, newly refinished floors, new shades, and security lighting and cameras. Responding to the increasing challenges facing students as they grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially, Saint Catherine School remains committed to its motto to “See Christ in Others and Be Christ for Others”.

If you are interested in enrolling in Saint Catherine of Siena School, an Open House is planned for the 2017-18 school year on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 6-7 P.M. Please contact Linda Canniff, Director of Admissions, at (781) 769-5354 ext. 262 or admissions@scsnorwood.org to schedule a tour of the school.