A spectacular performance!

To commence our Year of Community, Stella welcomed over 60 students and their teachers from Beijing Bayi School (China) for a cultural and art exchange.

Beijing Bayi School is one of the top schools in Beijing, with over 4,200 students, 700 staff members and some eminent alumni.

This group of students are talented dancers, ranging from Years 3-Year 11. They showcased three culturally distinctive, well-choreographed Chinese traditional dances, providing our students with a unique opportunity to experience and learn from their rich cultural heritage. With Lunar New Year being celebrated this coming weekend, Beijing Bayi' students thoughtfully prepared red handkerchiefs (also a prop for a type of Chinese dance) as a gift to our students.

In return, Stella's dance students from Years 7-11 also performed their favourite pieces, and exchanged gifts and notes with each other. Although some members of the visiting group have limited English, it didn't stop students establishing friendships.

We were very honoured to have our Mayor, Ms Sue Heins attend and address the group, promoting Northern Beaches as "the best kept secret" as a tourist destination.

Finally, we'd like to thank:

1. the students from Bayi School for travelling so far from home

2. The dance teachers of Bayi School and their supervisor, Mr Guan

3. Our students performing under the able guidance of Ms Rochelle Jones

4. Mr Wong and his class for recording the show

5. The officers at Austrade and StudyNSW

6. Our local Mayor Sue Heins, who has been very supportive of local cultural exchange programs on the Northern Beaches.