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