South Island Chinese Language Learners

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South Island Chinese Language Learners

October 29, 2025

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Burnside High School celebrated remarkable success in Chinese language learning at the annual CIUC Chinese Language Learning Prizegiving Ceremony, held at the Aurora Centre on Wednesday, 22 October.

The event was a proud occasion for the school, with fifteen students receiving awards for their outstanding entries in the National Chinese Calligraphy Competition, and fourteen students honoured with Excellent Chinese Learner Awards for their dedication and excellence in mastering the Chinese language.

In recognition of its overall excellence and commitment, Burnside High School was also presented with the Best School Award.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome speech by Principal Scott Haines, who congratulated the students on their achievements and spoke about the importance of language and cultural learning and engagement in today’s global society. Representing the student body, Year 9 student Viktor Telford delivered an inspiring speech about his personal experience learning Chinese at Burnside High School, reflecting the enthusiasm and passion shared by many of the school’s language learners.

Adding a vibrant touch to the celebration, the Burnside High School Lion Dance Group and Chinese Classic Dance Group gave captivating performances that received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Their energetic and graceful performance showcased the school’s cultural richness and talent.

This special occasion not only recognised the academic achievements of Burnside High School’s Chinese language learners but also highlighted the school’s strong commitment to fostering cultural understanding and celebrating diversity within its community.

Burnside High School teachers and learners where recognised alongside more than 200 outstanding peers from across the South Island.

Congratulations to the award recipients:

Calligraphy Competition Prize Winners

Name

Year Level

Prize

1

Jiayu (Ida) Man

Y9

First Prize (Hard Pen), Second Prize (Brush Pen)

2

Sophia Zhang

Y9

Third Prize (Hard Pen)

3

Yvann Ho

Y9

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

4

Luke Yamashita

Y9

Second Prize (Brush Pen)

5

Insyiraah Nazimudden

Y10

Second Prize (Brush Pen)

6

Emma Kwon

Y10

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

7

Suhhyeon Lee

Y10

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

8

Camellia He

Y11

Second Prize (Hard Pen & Brush Pen)

9

Angelina Liu

Y11

Third Prize (Hard Pen)

10

Liya Li

Y11

Second Prize (Brush Pen)

11

Yohann Ho

Y11

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

12

Kanon Taki

Y11

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

13

Yining (Angela) Liu

Y12

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

14

Melody Li

Y13

Third Prize (Hard Pen)

15

Takuto Takahashi

Y13

Third Prize (Brush Pen)

Excellent Learners

Name

Year Level

1

Mayumi Artuza

Year 9

2

Viktor Telford

Year 9

3

Fei Feng

Year 9

4

Cooper Jones

Year 9

5

Angie Ozaki

Year 9

6

Joyce Xu

Year 9

7

Fiona Zhou

Year 10

8

Suhhyeon Lee

Year 10

9

Kanon Taki

Year 11

10

Skyezan Teh

Year 11

11

Camellia He

Year 12

12

Vanessa Banda Lozano

Year 12

13

Heidi Ngu

Year 13

14

Melody Li

Year 13


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