What a courageous bunch we are!
Last Friday evening, the collective of Wellington College Shanghai, Hiba Academy Shanghai and Wellington College China Central Office came together for the annual Chinese New Year celebration. It was a wonderful event, hosted by Gerard MacMahon, Executive Master and attended by around 450 academic and non-academic team members. The theme for the evening was ‘Shanghai in the 1930’s’.
As a laowai, I was first formally introduced to Chinese New celebrations in February 2016. I knew of Chinese New Year and the Chinese zodiac, but not in any detail. What I quickly learned was the significance of performances by the leaders of an organisation in entertaining employees and performances by teams to entertain colleagues. A chance to be silly, to let go, to make merry.
Members of the nursery team designed a song and dance routine to ‘Ye Shang Hai’ and I was asked to get involved. I was delighted to be asked to get involved……and then fear struck, running cold through my veins! I can’t sing in English, let alone in Chinese! I can’t really dance, either, if I was being honest. But my colleagues had asked me, and I was granted the perfect opportunity to demonstrate courage. The deal was, I would have the biggest fan that could be found – at least I could hide behind my props!
After a couple of days’ rehearsal and continual practising of the song, the evening came and before I knew it, the performance was over. My singing was dreadful, and I forgot some dance steps. However, I demonstrated my courage and did what I set out to do. The audience graciously applauded and I was grateful to get off the stage and be seated at my table once more.
Now, without giving my age away, I can write with confidence that I am considerably older than ALL pupils (and staff ☹) here at Hiba Academy Shanghai. I consider myself to be a capable and competent member of the team. I am confident in my role as a leader and am not afraid to deal with difficult and awkward situations. But I must admit that I was very, very nervous to get on a stage and perform. Therefore, throughout this week, as I have delighted in watching the Hiba nursery pupils perform during their Chinese New Year events, I am in complete awe of the courage demonstrated by all. Yes, some of the smallest pupils froze a little upon the curtains being drawn back, but they didn’t run away. They maintained their composure and stood firm (some of them literally glued to the spot) throughout. However, for most, they sang, they danced, they looked absolutely astonishing in their costumes and they performed before a captivated audience.
Whilst the pupils demonstrated their courage, the rest of us exuded pride. What a fabulous event!
I’d like to take this opportunity to offer my sincerest thanks and gratitude to Miss Peihua and Miss Sarah, our fabulous music teachers for bringing this event to life – their tireless efforts must be acknowledged and praised!
THANK YOU!!!
Introducing our Secretary General, Friends of Hiba
I'm Michelle Liu, my husband and I have two lovely daughters, and the youngest one is studying in the Nursery. I used to devote myself to the research of civil aircraft navigation, communication and automatic flight system. I worked for airlines, wrote and translated Boeing and airbus aircraft training materials, and was also responsible for training quality management. I have devoted most of my time to my family in recent years, and I enjoy and cherish the wonderful time with my children.
I am very honoured to join FOH, and I can have the opportunity to do something for the children and make a small contribution to the home-school collaboration.
Friends of Hiba serves the Hiba nursery community and I encourage all parents to get involved and support our community to grow and flourish. Please join them on Monday 28th January at 09:00 for coffee and an update – there’s lots of information to be shared.
Count your blessings
Here’s a little something to bear in mind when our children are testing us and pushing the wrong parental buttons. My eldest son celebrates his 12th birthday today. Two days before his sixth birthday, he underwent brain surgery to remove his left hippocampus (the bit responsible for memory, spatial awareness and regulation of emotions). This year, he has lived half of his life before surgery, and half of his life after surgery. He is now a slightly different child to the one who went in to the operating room. He struggles to take in the volume of information that he receives at school (but goodness me, he tries his hardest). He forgets instructions that are complex. He trips over fresh air and walks in to things that are clearly visible. He can struggle to use appropriate words, particularly when he is under stress or feeling pressured. But he is here – six years ago, there was a chance that he wouldn’t be. And I’m desperately proud to say that he is my son.
Why am I writing this? Well, it’s because sometimes our children can be a challenge. They may not always do what we want them to do. They may not be as good as others at sport. They may be a little moody from time to time. They may be quirky, irrational and spontaneous. They may not always listen and pay attention. They may not be destined to be an A* student. But they are them. And they are here, with you. That, dear reader, is something to be exceptionally grateful for.
