Chengdu EOTC: A Journey Through Culture, Nature, and Innovation!  - written by Ms Amy Hou.  Our MYP’s recent EOTC trip to Chengdu was a resounding success, packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. From ancient history to cutting-edge technology and iconic wildlife, our students immersed themselves in the heart of Sichuan province. Here’s a brief recap of our enriching journey.

• Day 1: October 29 – A Dive into Sichuan’s History  The adventure began with a visit to the Sichuan Museum. Students were transported through time, exploring vast collections that unveiled the rich culture of the region. They gained fascinating insights into ancient Shu civilization, marveled at intricate bronze artifacts, and learned about the unique customs and artistic traditions that have shaped Sichuan’s identity for centuries. It was a perfect foundation for understanding the cultural context of our subsequent visits.
• Day 2: October 30 – Pandas, Science, and Ancient Engineering  For Years 7-9, the morning was dedicated to cuteness at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At the N14 Giant Panda Enclosure, students observed these beloved national treasures up close, learning about their biology, conservation status, and the ongoing efforts to protect them. In the afternoon, we shifted gears to the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, where students engaged with interactive exhibits that demonstrated the powerful role of technology in shaping our future and solving real-world problems.Our Year 10-11 students embarked on an in-depth tour of the magnificent Dujiangyan Irrigation System. This UNESCO World Heritage site provided a living classroom for understanding ancient hydrological engineering. They received detailed explanations of its water management principles, participated in hands-on activities related to water control, and even tackled a hydraulic engineering challenge, applying their knowledge in a practical and engaging way.
• Day 3: October 31 – Traditional Arts and a Panda Encore  For the final day, Years 7-9 visited Shu Feng Ya Yun for a hands-on workshop in the traditional art of shadow puppetry. Years 10-11 had their much-anticipated visit to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Their tour of the N14 Giant Panda Enclosure provided a wonderful opportunity to observe the pandas and consolidate their understanding of conservation science, offering a perfect, serene conclusion to the trip. 

This EOTC trip was a fantastic opportunity for experiential learning, allowing students to connect their classroom knowledge with the world beyond not only our school walls, but beyond Xi’an itself. A huge thank you to all the students for your excellent engagement and to the dedicated staff who made this trip possible. Lastly, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our parent community for your ongoing partnership in these learning adventures; your support is crucial to making such enriching experiences possible for our students.

PYP Read-A-Thon Fun! - written by Mr Graeme Noble.  Over three weeks in October, Hanova’s Primary School was filled with the excitement and joy of our annual Read-A-Thon. Throughout this time, students enthusiastically read at home and documented their progress in reading logs. Students guessed the titles of books from a series of images shared in their classes. Each class took special responsibility for contributing to our Whole School book, titled Wings of Care, collaboratively creating a meaningful story that showcased their creativity and teamwork. Alongside this, students enjoyed engaging activities such as Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), scavenger hunts during library classes, and the “Guess the Voice Reader” game in their homeroom classes, all designed to inspire a deeper love of reading.

In the final week, our celebrations included fun and interactive events like Pyjama Day, a special parent reading session for Early Years, and a lively Book Swap on Hanova Hawks Court. Students embraced the spirit of the Read-A-Thon by dressing up in costumes that represented their favorite books, adding to the festive atmosphere as we prepared for the grand finale.

All of these wonderful efforts culminated in a memorable Read-A-Thon assembly on October 31st. During the assembly, each year level proudly showcased their book related costumes in a character and book parade, celebrating the joy of reading and the community spirit that has made this event so special. It was wonderful to see the coming together of our students to honor the creativity, enthusiasm, and care that every student has brought to this incredible three-week journey.

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Upcoming Events:

• Nov 7: PYP Spelling Bee Final
• Nov 8:
  • SAT Test
  • 9:00-12:00 U19/U14/U11 X-Country Meet @DEXA

• Nov 14: Secondary Arts Showcase
• Nov 16-20: WASC Visit
• Nov 19: Season 2 ECAs Begin (Primary), Choice Week (Secondary)
• Nov 24: University of Calgary Information Session
• Nov 29: XIAC Swim Meet @ DEXA
• Dec 6: SAT Test