The largest primary school in New Zealand, Ormiston Primary School has participated in The 8th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing on the 10th and 11th of May 2022. There were approximately 1,090 students with 99 teachers and parents- helpers visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland in 20 buses.
The Temple have planned a variety of activities for different age groups of students, including making lotus flowers origami for junior students and writing Chinese calligraphy for senior students. In addition, the students were attracted by the beautiful wishing wall in the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition. They enjoyed reading other students’ wishes and learn about the vow of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. A student, Malo, draw on the wishing card and happily said “I will be back!”.
The students were also specially brought to visit the Pagoda and strike the Peace Gong. They were fascinated by the long water curtain and enjoyed touching it while walking down to the Pagoda. In addition, the students love the Laba rice prepared by the Temple. Most of them had more than one bowl and keep commenting ‘It’s so delicious!’
Ormiston Primary School has been participating in the 3G4G Education program for 8 years, since 2014. It has become an annual school trip that the students and teachers look forward to each year. Throughout the years, the school has grown from 100 students to 1000 students. On 11th May, the principal, Heath McNeil accompanied the students to the Temple to participated the festival. Abbess Manshin warmly received him and concern about the school operations.
Heath McNeil expressed his gratitude to the Temple team for the innovative and meaningful activities for students at all ages. The students, teachers and parents were truly enjoyed coming to the educational program. He expressed the School and the Temple play an important role in Flat Bush. Through the annual visit, the students get to enhance their understanding, appreciate the contribution and values of the Temple in the community. All in all, the 3G4G festival helps students establish the right values, to care for each other and work together to build a better society.