On September 10th, the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Toronto Chinese School held its 2023-2024 academic year opening ceremony at the Five Contemplations Hall of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. A total of 90 people, including teachers, students, and their parents, joyfully returned to school, eagerly anticipating the start of the new academic year.

The opening ceremony commenced with the choir singing "Ode to the Triple Gem." Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto and the Principal of the Chinese School, delivered a video speech in which she expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents for their years of dedication and support to the FGS Toronto Chinese School.

Venerable Chueh Fan expressed her hope that the students would strive to excel in Chinese, improve their overall quality of body and mind, and always remember to practice the Three Acts of Goodness — Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts.

Venerable Chueh Fan also hoped that teachers and parents would jointly encourage and support their children in learning Chinese, as well as in enhancing their moral and personal qualities. She also wished all students success in their academic endeavors in the new semester, along with healthy and joyful growth.

At the opening ceremony, the emcee provided detailed introductions of each class's teachers and teaching assistants, the academic calendar for the school year, and the teaching materials for each class. After the ceremony concluded, the teachers conducted placement tests for the students to ensure that each child entered a class that matched their proficiency level. This is done to ensure high-quality learning outcomes and to enhance their proficiency in listening, speaking, and writing in Chinese.

Teachers also led the students in learning the "Song of the Three Acts of Goodness" and sang and danced along with a video. Through this fun and interactive approach, the teachers helped deepen the young students' understanding and memory of the "Song of the Three Acts of Goodness."In addition, teachers also played Mr. Li Li's animated videos to teach the children stretching exercises. The kids also played a word-guessing game together, fostering their interest in learning Chinese and their reverence for the Triple Gems through enjoyable interactions.Volunteers assisted students in receiving uniforms and name tags, ensuring everything was ready for the official start of classes. Teacher Jiang Min Zhi explained the teaching materials and important information to parents. Finally, the entire school, including teachers, students, and parents, took a group photo to capture this precious moment.

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