Page 1 - Spotlight Issue 66

Qingshan Campus‧June 2025

Issue66

KCFS Projects: Real-world Skills

Small Shoes, Big Steps:
Small Shoes, Big Steps:
Small Shoes, Big Steps:
Small Shoes, Big Steps:
Coming-of-Age Stories from Around the World
Coming-of-Age Stories from Around the World
Coming-of-Age Stories from Around the World
Coming-of-Age Stories from Around the World
~ Brigitte Alejandro

English Teacher
International Culture Week is one of the most From the Editor
From the Editor
exciting times of the school year! It offers an
incredible opportunity for students to explore how
Celebrating Growth
people from around the world celebrate important Celebrating Growth
life moments. Originally created to introduce young
Together
learners to global perspectives, it encourages Together
them to look beyond their own experiences. By
learning about these traditions, students gain valuable insights into the values and 國際處主任 賴國宜
customs that shape different societies—fostering empathy, respect, and a deeper This April, our high school students
appreciation for others. participated in Tainan’s traditional “Turning 16”
Each year, International Culture Week ceremony during their cycling trip around Taiwan.
focuses on a different theme, allowing students In Taiwan’s agricultural past, this ritual marked
to experience unique customs and traditions the transition from childhood to adulthood, when
through interactive learning. In the past, we young people began to take on responsibilities
within their families and society. Inspired by this
explored themes like Let’s Celebrate Children’s meaningful experience, we’ve chosen this year’s
Day; One World, Many Games; and Crafting Your
Way Around the World. These themes helped International Culture Week theme: Coming of Age
Around the World. During the week, students will
students understand how children in different explore how different cultures celebrate growing
cultures play, express creativity, and celebrate up through hands-on activities and stories to
their lives. reflect on what it means to grow up.
This year’s theme is Coming of Age, focusing on the Congratulations to our Grade 6 students, who
ways various cultures mark the transition from childhood will soon begin their new chapter in middle school!
to adulthood. Students will explore traditions such as To celebrate, our English Reporter Club has
Seijin Shiki in Japan, a ceremony held for 20-year- created a special issue titled: The Experiences
olds to celebrate their new status as adults; Gwan Rye That Shape G6 Graduates’ Path to highlight the
in Korea, a traditional rite of passage that symbolizes memorable moments and meaningful growth of
maturity; Quinceañera in Mexico, a lively 15th birthday our graduates, along with their heartfelt thanks to
celebration marking a girl's journey into womanhood; teachers and words of encouragement to younger
and the Bar Mitzvah in Israel, where Jewish boys at students. We warmly invite parents to enjoy this
age 13 are recognized as responsible members of their special edition.
community. They'll also learn about the Maasai coming-of-age ritual in Kenya, which
includes teachings and challenges to prepare young people for adulthood, as well as 今年四月，我們的高中生在單車環台行經
Tainan’s indigenous Puyuma Yiebukah ceremony, where tribal youths take part in rites 台南時，親身體驗了傳統的「做十六歲成年
affirming their readiness for adult roles. Tainan’s unique tradition of crawling under a 禮」活動，在過去的農業社會中，這個儀式
不僅象徵孩子長大成人，也代表他們開始分擔
symbolic bridge at age 16 will also be introduced, representing the symbolic passage 家計和負擔更多社會責任。受到這段經歷的
into adulthood and a meaningful farewell to childhood.
啟發，我們將今年的國際文化週主題定為：
We’ll be putting a spotlight on three exciting coming-of-age traditions from around Coming of Age Around the World (世界各地
the world, Mexico’s quinceañera, Kenya’s Maasai ritual, and Tainan’s turning-16 的成年禮)，孩子們將透過不同文化中的成年儀
ceremony. Students dive deeper into how different cultures celebrate growing up. 式體驗，深入認識成長背後的文化意涵，並從
In Mexico, the quinceañera is a dazzling party thrown for a girl’s 15th birthday, 中反思成長的價值與責任。
complete with a fancy dress, dancing, music, and even a special waltz! In Kenya, 驪歌輕唱，又到了離情依依的畢業季，我
the Maasai coming-of-age ritual is full of meaning and tradition, where young people 們也要向即將升上國中的六年級畢業生們獻上
learn important life skills, take part in ceremonies, and show they’re ready for adult 誠摯的祝福！為紀念他們在青山校區的學習旅
responsibilities. In Tainan, turning 16 means it’s time for a symbolic “bridge crossing,” 程，我們特別推出一期由英文小記者們製作的
where teens crawl under a special structure to leave childhood behind and officially 畢業專刊，分享畢業生們在校園中難忘的學習
step into adulthood, an unforgettable moment filled with tradition and meaning! 經歷、對師長的感謝，以及對學弟妹們的建言
與祝福，誠摯邀請家長們一同細細品讀。
These coming-of-age traditions have been passed down through generations,
each one adding its own unique flair to the universal adventure of growing up. In 最後，感謝所有家長對近期English Open
English Village from 6/12-27, students will dive into these exciting activities, learn Day發表會的熱情參與與支持。祝福您和家人有
about fascinating customs, and reflect on their own journeys so far. Get ready for 個愉快且充實的暑假！
a week packed with fun, curiosity, and eye-opening moments as we celebrate how
different cultures around the world say, “Welcome to the next chapter!”