On October 5, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Chinese School held a Mid-Autumn Festival cultural experience class titled “Blossoms and Full Moon Celebrate the Mid-Autumn.” More than seventy teachers, students, and parents participated, filling the temple with festive warmth and joyful learning. The event allowed students to not only study the Chinese language but also experience the depth and beauty of traditional Chinese celebrations.

In her opening remarks, Venerable Zhi Guan, Monastic Advisor of the Chinese School, noted that this was the first time such a cultural experience had been organized. She expressed her hope that by combining classroom learning with interactive activities, students could connect language with living culture. Venerable Zhi Guan thanked the teachers for their preparation and introduced the festival’s key symbols—the moon, Chang’e (the lady in the moon), and the Jade Rabbit. She also shared the Jataka story of the Buddha’s past life as a rabbit, encouraging everyone to learn from the Buddha’s compassion by caring for and helping others.

During the summer, the Chinese School implemented the Three Acts of Goodness Points Card program to inspire students to practice kindness at home. Venerable Zhi Guan presented anaward to intermediate student Tongyuan Zhang, encouraging all students to turn good thoughts into positive actions.

The day’s classes, tailored by age group, included lessons on the history and customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival,an animated film about Chang’e, vocabulary learning, a “Pass the Moon Drum” quiz, mooncake culture, and creative coloring. The lively “Pass the Moon Drum” game brought laughter and teamwork to the classroom.

The event concluded with teachers and students sharing mooncakes and lanterns, carrying home not only treats but also the spirit of joy, kindness, and cultural pride—a memorable celebration of unity and learning.

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