Photos are taken by @余信賢  (Nicolas) @https://www.facebook.com/yuhsinhsien

Participants and attendees alike enjoyed a day of joy and community spirit at the  Talent Show – where every child shone bright!

Welcome back, Okinawa University scholars - let's make memories and inspire each other at Min Tzu Elementary! 🌟

"Being ready for earthquakes is important because it keeps us safe when the ground shakes. We learn how to hide under a table or desk to protect ourselves and not be scared. It's like having a superhero plan to help us and our family stay safe during earthquakes."

Every student is dedicated to preparing and presenting their wonderful song and dance number to show their talents, creativity, and love for what they do. They all made their family proud, their teachers proud, the school proud, and most important they made themselves proud!

"Joyful Christmas Welcome: School Principal, PTA President, and English Teachers Join in Festive Celebration! 🎄🍬 Embracing the holiday spirit, our dedicated team warmly welcomes students on Christmas day with smiles, Christmas vocabulary, and sweet treats. Together, let's make this season of joy and learning memorable!"

Official Entry of Min-Tzu Elementary for Earth Day Film Festival. 2023

This year’s Halloween party at Min-Tzu was celebrated with a powerful theme: “Protect the Ocean.” The event featured a creative drag show, where students embraced ocean-inspired costumes, each showcasing a unique, environmentally conscious design. Their costumes conveyed an inspiring message of protecting our oceans and caring for the planet. #♻ Eco-Friendly Halloween #🎃 Halloween Treats and Festivities #

Thanks to the university companions and our teachers for an unforgettable experience. Here’s to more opportunities for students to discover the beauty of international exchange! 🌟

#NTUCompanionProgram #EnglishLearning #CrossCulturalConnections

💌 A Gift Across the Ocean
The highlight? American students lit up with joy as they hugged Taiwan’s handmade “rice treasure” and showed off the exchange letters they received. A moment that connected hearts thousands of miles apart!

🎤 Confidence in Action
Starting shy but warming up quickly, Nation-State students took on the Q&A session like pros—answering questions, sharing insights, and proudly showcasing their ability to communicate across cultures.

🌍 Friendship Beyond Borders
This exchange wasn’t just about lunch—it was about building bridges. The teachers and principal couldn’t help but beam with pride, watching students take a big step toward becoming global citizens.

🚀 Next Stop: The World!
With this successful exchange, Minzu is gearing up for more opportunities to help students connect globally, explore new horizons, and make their mark on the international stage.

One conversation, one connection, and one step closer to the world! 🌐🇹🇼🇺🇸

This milestone is not just a reflection of the past but a promise for the future—a commitment to inspiring young minds, fostering creativity, and cultivating global citizens. Here's to 106 years of excellence and many more to come! 🎉✨

✨ A special shoutout to our incredible foreign teachers, whose efforts transcended cultural differences to make the Christmas celebration even more memorable. Their enthusiasm and dedication not only brought a magical touch to the festivities but also promoted the spirit of Christmas in a way that inspired everyone. Their contribution was key to bringing this celebration to life in such a beautiful way. ✨

Stepping into the halls of Min-Tzu's English Wonderland that crisp January morning felt like entering a whole new world. The buzz of excitement was palpable as foreign teachers from all over Chiayi City came together for the much-awaited English Wonderland workshop. Guided by the ever-energetic Jason and Merjoe, we were about to experience a day like no other—as students ourselves!

The magic began as we divided into groups and embarked on an adventure through thoughtfully curated learning venues. With every step, we were transported into the shoes of fifth graders, diving headfirst into activities that were as fun as they were educational. Picture this: the rhythmic beats of drums as we danced our way through an exercise and dance activity, the thrill of rolling dice in the Monopoly game, and the immersive experience of clearing customs, boarding a plane, and checking into a hotel. Each moment was packed with laughter, discovery, and pure joy.

I couldn’t help but smile along with my fellow teachers as we navigated the creative and well-designed courses. Every station brought something new, igniting ideas for our own classrooms. It was impossible not to be inspired by the meticulous attention to detail and the innovative approaches to teaching.

The day didn’t end there. During the post-workshop discussion, we gathered to reflect and share. The feedback flowed—a mix of heartfelt praise and constructive suggestions—all underscoring the incredible effort by the Min-Tzu Elementary team. Professor Tsai’s guidance was the cherry on top, adding depth and expertise to an already stellar experience.

This year, Chiayi City has reached an all-time high in the number of foreign teachers, a testament to the support from the Ministry of Education and local government. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about quality. Workshops like this remind us of the power of collaboration and continuous growth, ensuring we’re not just teaching—we’re inspiring.

As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the dedicated team at Min-Tzu Elementary, for the chance to learn and grow, and for the vibrant community of educators I’m lucky to be a part of. Until next time, English Wonderland… we’ll see you again! 🌟

A Box of Sunshine and Smiles Travels from Taiwan to Australia

Imagine the excitement as a package journeyed all the way from our school in Taiwan to St Catherine’s Catholic College in Singleton, Australia! But this wasn't just any box; it was brimming with warmth, curiosity, and a genuine connection between our cultures.

Our hearts swelled watching a video from our partner school as their students eagerly unwrapped a cultural treasure trove we lovingly prepared. Each item, carefully chosen by our students, brought forth smiles and sparked a wonderful sense of discovery – a truly special moment of sharing across continents.

From the way the box was packed to the thoughtful gifts inside, every detail reflected the kindness, creativity, and deep respect our students and teachers hold for another culture. Behind each object was a silent message of friendship and understanding.

This exchange beautifully reminds us that even when separated by vast oceans, shared experiences can bring us closer. This heartwarming project wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of our principal, the dedicated guidance of our teachers, and the open hearts of our students. Together, they built a beautiful bridge between our two schools.

We're already looking forward to future exchanges, where the seeds of friendship and learning continue to blossom and grow, reaching far beyond any border.

^{Enthusiastic chatter filled the air as our Class 602 students, their eyes sparkling with pride, connected online with Redwood Coast Montessori. The focus? A delicious journey through the symbolic foods of Lunar New Year. With animated gestures and clear voices, they unveiled dishes like the glistening whole fish, representing overflowing abundance, and the sweet, chewy niángāo, wishing their American friends a year of rising success. They carefully explained the significance of the long, leafy mustard greens, a visual prayer for longevity, and the rich aroma of "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" hinted at the luxurious blessings of the new year. Of course, the familiar, comforting shape of dumplings took center stage, symbolizing family unity and the promise of wealth.}

^{Our students didn't just present; they taught. The musical tones of Mandarin filled the virtual room as they shared the names of each dish. The Redwood Coast Montessori students responded with genuine curiosity, sharing their own experiences with similar foods, creating a delightful exchange of cultural understanding. The proud smiles on our students' faces as they shared this piece of their heritage were truly heartwarming. This lively session wasn't just about food; it was about our students confidently stepping onto a global stage, sharing their culture and connecting with young minds across the ocean. 🌍❤️}

Taiwan's Min Tzu Elementary and India's Maneckji Cooper School recently connected online, fostering cross-cultural understanding. India showcased their school lunches and the "Roti Bank" charity, alongside their modern campus. Taiwan proudly presented their diverse lunch program, the English-learning "News Lunchbox," and their charming mascot, "Mibao." Students from both sides actively engaged in a heartwarming Q&A session. This exchange deepened cultural appreciation and laid the groundwork for future international friendships.

^{Congratulations to the Min-Tzu Elementary llittle students who achieved top honors in the recent "320+1 Action! Films of Our Chiayi Adventures" Student Oral English Competition Final!}

_{In the senior class, students guided by instructors 林盈 and 蔡瓊瑩 were recognized. In senior 2, students under the guidance of Merjoe and Darvin were also recognized. The middle-class division saw students under the guidance of Jason and Zoey achieve recognition.}

_{These awards celebrate our hard work and dedication. Well done to all the winners!}

As the school bell rings one final time for the graduates of Min Tzu Elementary School, the air is filled with pride, nostalgia, and boundless hope. These remarkable students—once small hands clutching crayons and dreams—now stand tall, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives.

This year’s graduation was made even more memorable by a special guest: Mayor Huang Min-hui of Chiayi City. In a heartfelt speech, her warm and inspiring words ignited a spark in every young heart. By personally congratulating each graduate, she reaffirmed the city’s commitment to nurturing curiosity and resilience in Chiayi’s young learners.

From science fairs to sports days, from classroom laughter to quiet acts of kindness, these students have transformed their school into more than just a place of learning—it became a home. They carry with them the spirit of Min Tzu: curiosity, compassion, and courage.

To our graduates: never forget where your journey began. The hallways you walked, the teachers who believed in you, and the friendships that helped shape you—they will always be part of your story. As you take bold steps toward new adventures, remember: once a Min Tzu star, always a Min Tzu star.

Shine on. The world is waiting. 🌟

_{Photos courtesy of 余信賢 (Nicolas).}