The rousing program held during the launching of the Chinese week last January 31, 2005 was followed by a week-long celebration where students enjoyed a fun-filled day renewing ties with their Chinese culture. What’s new this year is the participation of Chinese Star Movies in the line-up of grade level activities. In an effort to promote Chinese culture, Star Chinese Movies went around the different Chinese-Filipino schools offering to show the multi-awarded movie entitled “Home Run”.

     The movie is about the hardships that a poor family must endure and how, with perseverance and patience, the son replaced the school shoes of his sister which he unintentionally lost. After the movie, the students who correctly answered the questions were given prizes. Star Chinese Movies also gave out a questionnaire to find out how much the students understood the movie.

     The Grade 2 students had simultaneous differentiated activities such as paper folding and card making facilitated by the Grade 2 parents. They were also treated to story-telling and film viewing about how Chinese Spring Festival and how it is being celebrated every year. Their Chinese teachers facilitated the activity. The Grade 4 students enjoyed watching a video presentation about the Spring Festival, played Chinese games, and a game of BINGO where instead of numbers, Chinese characters are written on the cards. On the other hand, Grades 1 and 3 enjoyed other activities which include quiz bee and playing Chinese games. This is also true with students from Grades 5 and 7. They had more difficult questions to answer though.

     For years, it has been a part of Xavier’s culture to ask students to bring some Chinese food which they share with their classmates, teachers and other school personnel. However, this year, in the light of the calamities that beset our country and in some parts of Asia, the Chinese department has opted to do away with “Chowtime” so as to be in solidarity with the victims. Nevertheless, this did not in any way diminish the essence of the festival, the students were still able to deepen their appreciation for their Chinese roots as well as celebrate the Spring Festival as a community. Lastly, before each of grade level activities ended a simple awarding ceremony was held where winners in the different literary contests like Spelling, Penmanship, Pinyin, Drawing and Card-Making were congratulated amidst the applause of their classmates.

     The Chinese Week culminated with a mass celebrated by Fr. Art Borja, S.J. last February 4, 2005. We pray that as we welcome the Year of the Wooden Rooster, God may continue to heal our land and renew our lives.

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