Kearns-Saint Ann School begins Chinese program

Kearns-Saint Ann School

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SALT LAKE CITY — Teachers walking down the hallways and into the classrooms of Kearns-Saint. Ann School in Salt Lake City are now often greeted by students saying "laoshi hao" ("hello teacher" in Mandarin Chinese). These students, members of the kindergarten, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classes, are part of a new Mandarin Chinese language program focused on Chinese language and culture.

During the summer, when hiring for a language program, new principal Elizabeth Walsh wanted to give students a chance to learn something outside of the usual curriculum – something that could increase the global consciousness of the student body.

"We are allowing students to gain a global perspective that will help them in the future," Walsh said, "whether it be understanding a different culture or becoming members of a global market."

The students, who started writing to Chinese pen pals in September, are struck by the dissimilarities of the language, especially the way of writing.

"Learning Chinese is interesting because it is a different language and we’ve never learned it before," said seventh-grader Mary Ndeze. "Chinese letters are pictorial, which means using pictures. I hope I get to learn more."

Luckily, graduating students will get a chance to learn more, as many high schools around the Salt Lake Valley have fledgling Mandarin Chinese programs – part of a growing nationwide trend. Kearns St. Ann School officials hope to see many of their alumni go on to participate and excel in the recently established Chinese program at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and then, perhaps, someday go to China.

Regardless of where students end up living or working, learning Chinese gives the students of Kearns-St. Ann School a unique opportunity to learn the most widely spoken language on earth and delve into the culture of one of the most ancient civilizations.