Edinburgh Chinese School

Dear Parents/Guardians/Students,

RE: Closure of Edinburgh Chinese School

We are writing to inform you of a decision that was not made lightly but is necessary to communicate. Due to financial challenges and low enrolment, we regret to inform you that Edinburgh Chinese School will be closing its doors permanently effective on 1st July 2024.

This decision has been incredibly difficult for us, as we understand the impact it will have on our students, alumni, and their families. We are deeply saddened to have to say goodbye to a community that has become like family over the last 50 years in Edinburgh.

Since 1971, Edinburgh Chinese School has been dedicated to providing high-quality Chinese language education and Chinese cultural activities to our students and the community, and it has been a privilege to be a part of their language learning journey. However, despite our best efforts, we have encountered different challenges after pandemic that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the operations of the school.

Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to you for your support of Edinburgh Chinese School. It has been an honour serving you and your children, and we will cherish the memories we have created together.

Sincerely,

Edinburgh Chinese School

敬啓者：

愛丁堡中文學校停辦公告

因應近年資金及收生不足等因素影響，經學校董事會慎重考慮下，我們很遺憾地宣佈，愛丁堡中文學校將於2024年7月1日起永久停辦。

這個決定對我們來說非常艱難，因為我們明白到，這將會令我們的學生、舊生及其家人造成影響。對於要告別過去50年來，在愛丁堡像家人般的社區，我們深感無奈和惋惜。

自1971年成立以來，愛丁堡中文學校一直致力為我們的學生提供優質的中文語言教育，及為社區舉辦各類中華文化活動 。能成為一眾學生語言學習旅程及成長的一部分，是我們的榮幸。然而，儘管我們盡了最大的努力，但疫情後迎來各種的困難，令我們難以繼續維持學校的運作。

在此，學校衷心感謝各家長、老師和學生對愛丁堡中文學校一直以來的支持。能為您以及您的孩子服務是我們的榮幸，我們將會珍惜我們一起創造的回憶。

愛丁堡中文學校啓

敬启者：

爱丁堡中文学校停办公告

因应近年资金及收生不足等因素影响，经学校董事会慎重考虑下，我们很遗憾地宣布，爱丁堡中文学校将于2024年7月1日起永久停办。

这个决定对我们来说非常艰难，因为我们明白到，这将会令我们的学生、旧生及其家人造成影响。 对于要告别过去50年来，在爱丁堡像家人般的社区，我们深感无奈和惋惜。

自1971年成立以来，爱丁堡中文学校一直致力为我们的学生提供优质的中文语言教育，及为社区举办各类中华文化活动 。 能成为一众学生语言学习旅程及成长的一部分，是我们的荣幸。 然而，尽管我们尽了最大的努力，但疫情后迎来各种的困难，令我们难以继续维持学校的运作。

在此，学校衷心感谢各家长、老师和学生对爱丁堡中文学校一直以来的支持。 能为您以及您的孩子服务是我们的荣幸，我们将会珍惜我们一起创造的回忆。

爱丁堡中文学校启

🌟 Storage Clearance Fundraising: Unearth Hidden Treasures! 🌟

The Edinburgh Chinese School, steeped in history, faced financial challenges post-COVID. Undeterred, we’ve decided to unlock our treasure trove—a Storage Clearance Fundraiser! Within these walls lie echoes of Chinese books, a majestic lion head, and more. 📜🦁

🌟How does it work?
Pay What You Want. Coins matter less than intentions. Whether you offer a handful of silver or a pocketful of dreams, your contribution fuels our resilience. 💰

🌟How should you join?
1. Register at https://forms.gle/8GGFE6GeJrg2e32b7
2. Meet you there

🗓️When & Where?
Saturday, March 23rd: 12:30 - 15:30
Sunday, March 24th: 12:30 - 14:00
📍 1 Carron Place, Salamander Street, Edinburgh, EH6 7RE

🔒 Important Note: The storage is in Safestore and is a private place. We may not be able to wait for you if you haven’t registered. Please, please, please register so we know you’ll be there! 🗝️🔐

Dear friends, Happy New Year! 🎉🎊

We warmly invite you to join our Chinese New Year celebration, on February 18th from 11:45 am to 3:00 pm, at Broughton High School. We will have lion dance, kung fu, live music, art & craft and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of China. We look forward to seeing you there!

親愛的朋友們，新年快樂！🎉🎊

我們熱情地邀請你們參加我們的新年慶祝活動，2月18日上午11:45到下午3:00，在Broughton High School舉行。我們將有舞獅、功夫、現場音樂、藝術和手工藝等等。不要錯過這個體驗中華豐富多元文化的機會。我們期待見到你們！

Happy Lunar New Year! 恭[gung1]喜[hei2]發[faat3]財[coi4] (congratulations and may you be prosperous)🎉

This year, we celebrate the Year of the Dragon, one of the most auspicious and powerful signs in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the dragon was the fifth animal to cross a river in a race held by the Jade Emperor, who assigned each year to an animal. The dragon is said to have traits such as strength, confidence, and ambition, and those born under its sign are destined for success and fortune.

The dragon is also a symbol of imperial authority and cultural heritage in China and many other Asian countries. It is often depicted as a long, scaled creature with horns, claws, and whiskers, and it has the ability to control water, rain, and storms.

If you want to learn more about other aspects of Chinese culture and language, why not join us? We offer Mandarin and Cantonese classes for all levels and ages, as well as fun and educational activities throughout the year. Visit our website today to find out more!

🥢 Cantonese Cuisine Chronicles: 蘿[lo4]蔔[baak6]糕[gou1] Turnip Cake

As we edge closer to the onset of the Chinese Lunar New Year, let's delve into one of the festive culinary delights – 蘿[lo4]蔔[baak6]糕[gou1], also known as Turnip Cake.

Rooted in Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year, aligning with the harvest season of white radishes in the Yellow River and central plains. Traditionally, these winter-harvested radishes are deemed especially plump and delicious.

With winter yielding to the Lunar New Year, the bountiful radishes are transformed into 蘿[lo4]蔔[baak6]糕[gou1], employing traditional rice cake-making techniques. This culinary creation becomes a symbol of the festive season, carrying the essence of seasonal abundance and renewal.

In contemporary times, despite the shift from agrarian societies, the traditions of winter solstice and Lunar New Year persist. 蘿[lo4]蔔[baak6]糕[gou1], with its auspicious connotations of "rising step by step" and "prosperity year after year" invites us to savour not just a dish but a journey through the rich tapestry of history and tradition. 🍚

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🌟 Cantonese Blessings Series: 萬[maan6]事[si6]如[jyu4]意[ji3]

As we stand on the threshold of the upcoming Lunar New Year, let's embrace the warmth of Cantonese blessings. Today's spotlight is on the heartfelt phrase: 萬[maan6]事[si6]如[jyu4]意[ji3].

In the rich tapestry of Cantonese, this expression embodies a wish for all things to unfold just as one desires. Literally translated, it means "everything happens according to your desire." It's a beautiful sentiment often exchanged during the joyous season of the Chinese New Year.

So, as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Year of the [Animal], let's share the spirit of 萬[maan6]事[si6]如[jyu4]意[ji3]. May good fortune and fulfilment accompany us, turning our aspirations into reality. Here's to a year where everything aligns harmoniously with our hopes and dreams! 🌠

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🎊 Exploring Cantonese Characters: The Essence of 「喜」 (Hei2)

As we approach the Lunar New Year in February, let's delve into the profound meaning of the Cantonese character "喜" (Hei2). This character encapsulates the spirit of happiness and celebration, making it especially significant during festive occasions.

In its adjective form, "喜[hei2]" is woven into expressions like 喜[hei2]劇[kek6] (Comedy) that bring joy through laughter and 喜[hei2]悦[jyut6] (Joy) that captures the essence of pure delight. During moments of jubilation and celebration, Cantonese beautifully describes the atmosphere as 喜[hei2]慶[hing3] (Joyous).

Beyond mere happiness, "喜[hei2]" extends to matters of the heart. 鍾[zung1]意[ji3] (To Like) expresses personal affections, while in the realm of matrimony, 喜[hei2]帖[tip2] (Wedding Invitation Card) and 喜[hei2]酒[zau2] (Wedding Banquet) symbolize the joyous union of two souls.

As we usher in the Lunar New Year, may "喜[hei2]" resonate in every joyous celebration, laughter, and shared moments of delight. 🌟
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🎊 Cantonese Slang Spotlight: 🗣️ 恭[gung1]喜[hei2]發[faat3]財[coi4]

One month from now, we'll be celebrating Lunar New Year. Immerse yourself in Lunar New Year cheer! 恭[gung1]喜[hei2]發[faat3]財[coi4] in Cantonese, often heard during the Chinese New Year, literally means "congratulations and may you be prosperous." It's a warm greeting exchanged during this festive season.

🧧 Example:
(粤[jyut6]): 恭[gung1]喜[hei2]發[faat3]財[coi4]，利[lei6]是[si6]逗[dau6]來[loi4]！
(Eng): Kung Hei Fat Choi! Where're my red pockets?

Join the vibrant slang community and celebrate the richness of Cantonese expressions! 🚀

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🥢 Cantonese Cuisine Chronicles: 🍲 Anticipating Lunar New Year with 年[nin4]糕[gou1] (Nin Gou)

📅 One month from now, we'll be celebrating Lunar New Year, and what better way to usher in the festivities than with 年[nin4]糕[gou1]! Symbolizing growth and prosperity, its name echoes the wish for 「年[nin4]年[nin4]昇[sing1]高[gou1]」 (rising every year). From ancestral rituals to a cherished New Year treat, it has a rich history.

In Hong Kong and beyond, 年[nin4]糕[gou1] is a sticky, sweet delight, crafted from glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and peanut oil. Traditionally pan-fried to golden perfection and sometimes shaped into Koi fish symbolizing success, it's a must-try during the New Year season. 🎊

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📆 Discovering Cantonese Characters: The Tale of 年[nin4] (Year)

Embark on a linguistic journey as we explore the character 年[nin4], which plays a pivotal role in expressing dates in the lunar calendar. Particularly prominent from the latter part of the twelfth month to the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month, 年[nin4] adds cultural depth to how dates are articulated.

For instance, 年[nin4]廿[jaa6]八[baat3] signifies the 28th day of the last lunar month, while 年[nin4]初[co1]一[jat1] marks the first day of the lunar new year. These expressions bring to life a cultural narrative, guiding activities and traditions during this period.

Capture the essence of time with sayings like「年[nin4]廿[jaa6]八[baat3]，洗[sai2]邋[laat6]遢[taat3]」 (On the 28th, wash away the dirt) or the anticipation of an early finish with 「年[nin4]三[saam1]十[sap6]，有[jau5]得[dak1]早[zou2]收[sau1]工[gung1]！」 (We can leave work early on the 30th, i.e., Lunar New Year Eve). Let the richness of Cantonese characters unfold! 📅

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🚮 Embracing the Beauty of "廢" [fai3] 🌟

In the symphony of life, even the seemingly discarded notes hold a unique melody. Today, let's explore the essence of "廢" [fai3], a character that encourages us to find beauty in the seemingly overlooked.

"廢" [fai3] doesn't just mean waste; it's a canvas for transformation. It reminds us that what may appear discarded can be repurposed, recycled, or even reinvented into something extraordinary.

So, whether it's a forgotten idea, a discarded project, or a moment that feels wasted, consider the untapped potential within. Embrace the art of turning "廢" [fai3] into the foundation for new beginnings, and let the beauty of transformation unfold.
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蘇[sou1]州[jau1]過[gwo3]後[hau6]無[mou4]艇[teng5]搭[daap3] in Cantonese slang.
This phrase translates to "No boat to take after leaving Suzhou" in English. In a figurative sense, it conveys the idea that after a certain opportunity or chance has passed, there's no way to seize it again.

"Suzhou" in this context refers to a beautiful city known for its classical gardens and canals. The imagery of "無[mou4]艇[teng5]搭[daap3]" , or "no boat to take," emphasizes the idea of a missed opportunity being like a boat that has already sailed.

Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt like "蘇[sou1]州[jau1]過[gwo3]後[hau6]無[mou4]艇[teng5]搭[daap3] "?
Share your thoughts or stories! 🚤