ANNUAL OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON CHINA Emphasis Will Be on Gaining Insight and Understanding of Cultural Differences
(Westlake Village) The political, social, economic, and religious culture of China will be the focus of the 2009 Oaks Christian School Symposium, to be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. An enlightening and educational day-long event, the Symposium is offered annually to provide Oaks Christian Middle School and High School students the opportunity to examine a specific topic from many different perspectives.
"In order to live in harmony with others as Jesus called his disciples to do, we need to understand the ethnic differences of our neighbors," explains Oaks Christian Academic Dean Timothy Fenderson. "We need to work towards eliminating the ignorance which causes hostility and indifference, and hope to gain insight into the richness of Chinese society and history as well as build respect among our students for the Chinese people."
The Symposium will provide students the opportunity to see the impact of Chinese culture in America, and to understand and celebrate the diversity and unity between American and Chinese cultures. The day's activities will begin with a Tai Chi/Kung Fu interactive presentation by Tai Chi master David Chang for the entire student assembly, followed by a traditional Lion Dance presented by the Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association. Pastor Michael Weidman of the English congregation at the Chinese Christian Church of Thousand Oaks will give the keynote address.
Invited guest artists and performers from the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association of Thousand Oaks, OCS faculty, and even several of the high school's Advanced Placement World History students will present the various breakout sessions throughout the day. Session topics will include Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, Symbolism in the 2008 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony, China's Dynasties, 20th Century Chinese History, Ancient Chinese Music, Modern Chinese Culture, Teen Life in China, China's role in Global Environmental Issues, Religion and Missionary work in China (including a description of OCS's past mission trips to China), and China as an Economic Power.
Oaks Christian's Mandarin Chinese class will perform a skit demonstrating the students' growing proficiency in that language. Chinese acrobats from Chinatown, an ancient Guzheng instrumental performance, and a dance performance by the Peony Chinese Dance Ensemble of Westlake Village will also close the day's events.
Oaks Christian School is a private, independent school serving students in grades 6-12 and located at 31749 La Tienda Drive in Westlake Village. |
