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READING CORNER

Book recommendations from That’s editorial team.

All Are Welcome

Ages 4 to 8

This New York Times bestselling children’s picture book from Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman is about celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusivity. At a time when it feels like the world is more fractured than ever before, it might feel daunting to find the right words when approaching topics of segregation. Here is a good starting point for parents who want to frame a complex conversation in a hopeful light from the jump-off.

Cat’s Cradle

Ages 11 and up

Kurt Vonnegut is regarded as one of the great American writers of the previous century. His style portrays the banality of mid-century Midwestern US life layered with eccentric sci-fi subplots and quirky, dry humor. Cat’s Cradle, published in 1963, paints a peculiar picture of a world strikingly similar to our own yet with comical differences. Vonnegut takes readers on a satirical examination of religion, civilization and the arms race in a manner that was science fiction at the time but, in restrospect, was somewhat predictive. What makes Vonnegut’s writing unforgettable is the childish wisdom, both obvious and profound. To name but one exemplary phrase from Cat’s Cradle: “Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists.”

CLASS CLOWN

Face-to-fence Lesson

Universities in China have been operating with an abundance of caution in the face of omicron outbreaks around the nation. While most students have become accustomed to switching back and forth from in-person to online classes, some subjects are less conducive to learning via webcam. On April 19, a video emerged on the Houlang Video Weibo account showing one Tai Chi teacher in Shaanxi who decided to circumvent the barriers to in-person learning. With strict controls on who enters and leaves campuses, the unnamed instructor was seen teaching a Tai Chi lesson from outside the fence of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students left their dormitories and lined up on the inside of the fence to participate in the lesson. Despite the blatant disregard for pandemic prevention and control measures, netizens in the comments praised the teacher’s dedication and pointed out that the students surely appreciated an excuse to get out and exercise.

ECO HOME

Single-serving Friend

For those who grew up in rice-centric households, the ratio of water to grains is often measured by the knuckle rather than actual units of weight or volume. This ‘golden rule’ of grain submersion is most effective when rice is cooked in a rice cooker. In fact, most people insist that this is the best way to cook rice.

Rice cookers were invented in Japan during the first half of the the 20th Century and the first home version is attributed to an engineer whose company would later be known as Sony. The original Sony iteration resembled a wooden wash basin laced with electric filaments. However, it is alleged to have frequently electrocuted the user and still required constant monitoring so as not to burn the rice.

Fast forward to the present and rice cookers are a staple in homes around the world. They remain the gold standard for cooking rice ‘properly’ — just ask Malaysian comedian (Uncle) Roger Ng. A household of just one or two might seem like too small a task for such a machine, especially with growing calls to reduce food waste. Enter the Jiashi mini rice cooker. Advertised as a student dormitory device, this 1.2 liter workhorse has a stylish, modern design and can simmer soups or warm side dishes in addition to making perfect, fluffy rice. The most basic version starts under RMB78. Scan the QR code above with the Taobao APP to view this product.

LISTINGS

BEIJING

Beijing Kerry Residence Whether you’re a single business executive or a busy family, Beijing Kerry’s fully- furnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments will feel just like home. As well as enjoying all the comforts of modern living – including a well-equipped kitchen, entertainment systems, high-speed broadband and much more – residents are just moments away from the Kerry Center’s shopping mall and sports facilities. The rest of the CBD is on your doorstep too. >1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1号 (8535 6888, www.beijingkerryresidence. com)

GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC Residence is located beside the third ring road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line 5-10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is also within reach of the CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban commercial, shopping and recreation areas. Fully equipped apartments with impeccable quality offer you a cozy living space and will meet all of your requirements in terms of room decoration, furniture, electric appliances and more. A unique sky garden with a practice golf course and barbecue area is another symbol of GTC Residence. > sales@gtcresidence.com, website: www. gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666

Oak Chateau Beijing Oak Chateau Beijing has 236 stylish and contemporary fully serviced apartments from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four bedroom suites available, measuring 64 to 260 square meters. There is a 24-hour guest reception and housekeeping is offered twice a week. Nestled within the landscaped gardens of the Ocean Express commercial and residential complex, Oak Chateau Beijing is close to the Third Embassy Area and shopping and dinning services at the Beijing Lufthansa Center. It is only 19 kilometers away from the Beijing Capital Airport. >北京市朝阳区东三环霞光里66号远洋新干线 D座 邮编 100027 Block D, Ocean Express, 66 Xiaguang Li, Third East Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, P.R.C Tel: (86-10) 84465888 Fax: (86-10) 84465999 Email oak.chateau@oakchateau.com Website: www. oakchateau.com

Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing

Enjoy expansive city views from floor-to -ceiling windows with units situated from level 23 to 35 in the building complex. Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing has 171 stylish and contemporary serviced residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. It is 20 minutes’ drive from Beijing International Airport and within walking distance of subway line 6 and Chaoyang Station.

> Building No.1 Damei Center, 7 Qingnian Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 86-10 8585 2211 (8:30am-5:30pm) 86-10 8585 2888 (5:30pm-8:30am) Fax: (86-10) 8585 2666 website Oakwood.com/Residence-Damei-Beijing

HOTEL NEWS

SHENZHEN

Raffles Shenzhen Immerses Guests in a Fanciful Spring Garden

Sky Café, already floating ethereally in the clouds above Shenzhen, is delighted to welcome guests to bask in their springtime decorative makeover. The most rejuvenating season has been captured with the sights, sounds and serenity of spring, nestled 34 floors above ground in the Raffles Shenzhen hotel overlooking the ocean.

Oysters are in Season at the Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan

Xili Kitchen in the Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan is offering a succulent oyster-themed menu until June 30. Skillful chefs have selected premium ingredients and created a variety of tantalizing oyster delicacies, including fried oysters, braised oysters, baked oysters with cheese, clay pot oysters with free-range chicken and more exciting combinations of flavors and textures. The serene Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan boasts 307 modern rooms and is located just a five minutes stroll from the University Town metro station.

SHANGHAI

The Peninsula Launches Comprehensive New Wellness and Sustainability Program

The Peninsula properties invite guests to partake in ‘Life Lived Best’ with services to help them pursue their fitness, mindfulness, and nutritional goals. Through a dedicated Wellness Portal and 24-hour Wellness Concierge service, guests are offered indoor and outdoor group fitness classes, meditation workshops, state of the art fitness facilities and even delivery of in-room fitness equipment at some locations. With specialized programs for boosting energy or relieving jetlag, The Peninsula aims to elevate the guests’ experience beyond hospitality to help people meet their personal, physical and mental health goals.

SUZHOU

Niccolo Suzhou Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Niccolo Suzhou is nestled among the clouds from the 103rd – 117th floors of Suzhou International Square (IFS), the city’s tallest skyscraper. Starting April 1, the hotel began a series of promotions to celebrate its inaugural year. To name one, Suzhou invites guests born in the month of April to celebrate their birthdays together with complementary room upgrades, birthday cake, tailor-made souvenirs and an 11% discount on dining at the hotel restaurants. These gifts and an array of other packages are available until May 10, including a Lancôme co-branded tea set or Australian wagyu tomahawk steaks.

BEIJING

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza Reveals the Balcony

The Balcony is a space where guests can enjoy heritage views complimented by premium Italian dining alongside Beijing home-style classics throughout the day. A portion of the restaurant can also be cordoned off for those requiring privacy for a classy and cloistered special event.

CAMPUS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM CREATION SUPPORT

Specializing in women’s and girls’ team sports, Adriana Sports was established in Shanghai in 2017. They aim to empower females through the medium of sports education, participation and activities. For one of their annual events, this year Adriana Sports is starting an initiative to support the campus sports community by creating and offering more opportunities for girls to play basketball on campus. They are now looking for schools that want to start and develop their own girls’ basketball programs from ages four to high school level. For 2022, Adriana Sports are looking to find five partner schools to start the campus program, Dream | Believe | Achieve (DBA). For more information, please visit their website or scan the QR code below.

www.adrianasports.com

Contact person: Coach Virginia Contact number: 1381 720 3586

SCHOOL NEWS

SHANGHAI

BISS Puxi Online Experience

At BISS, the balance between academic success and wellbeing remains at the forefront of their ethos. In recent weeks at the Primary School, they focused on a whole school theme surrounding the importance of emotional literacy. This assembly highlighted to students that it is natural to feel a variety of different emotions and that it is important to take time to talk about how you are feeling, especially during particularly challenging times. In the Secondary School, the content and themes of assemblies varied across year groups, to include feeling grateful, staying mentally and physically fit, celebrating success, working SMART during online learning and preparing for the upcoming IGCSE/IB examinations. These initiatives aim to produce a feeling of readiness, wholeness and of school community.

SUIS MYP Personal Project Digital Fair

SUIS students took part in a Digital Fair to showcase their Middle Years Programme (MYP) Personal Projects. By applying their knowledge and creativity to a technological interface through online education, they created visuals with links to other websites or videos for visitors to view. Nothing can stop SUIS’ bright and determined students!

Wellington College Shanghai NFT Scholars

Wellington College International Shanghai launched its first-ever pupil-led campaign for its Scholarship Programme. The pupils were responsible for conceiving and developing every aspect of the content –– from engaging Wellington Scholar interviews to unique NFT-inspired imagery. Offered annually, the Wellington Scholarship Programme highlights and rewards pupils who seek academic excellence beyond grades and certifications. In addition to partial or full tuition coverage, Wellington Scholars enjoy one-onone mentorship and the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

YCIS Students and Staff Volunteer During Lockdown

YCIS mobilized to put together study packs consisting of notebooks, pencils, pens and other materials to support at-home study. Care packages were delivered to nearly 1,000 YCYW staff members across Shanghai and all students from the five YCIS Shanghai campuses. The boxes included masks, hand sanitizer and disinfection wipes to ensure their community stays protected, fresh produce and meat to relieve stress from ordering online and a box of cookies with personalized notes to show appreciation to teachers and staff. At the same time, during lockdown, YCIS Shanghai students volunteered in their communities, acting as translators for their foreign neighbors who do not speak Chinese and distributing or sharing food supplies. International and Chinese faculty at YCIS also volunteered however they could, including helping registering health codes in their compounds, distributing and delivering supplies in the community and acting as translators. YCIS Shanghai’s mission is to raise globally competent and compassionate leaders with a servant’s heart, who aspire to and act for a better world.

Diversity Week at Dulwich Pudong

Diversity Week took place at Dulwich Pudong at the end of March. Conceived and run by their Global Citizenship Prefect team, it was an opportunity to talk about the importance of diversity in all classrooms, for all ages across the College. Through interactive workshops, students explored biases in their lives and the lives of others, worked towards developing strategies to remove biases, and learned about the importance of diversity and its different lenses so that they can understand marginalization, create empathy and ensure inclusivity at all levels of the College.

Dulwich Puxi Students Win in Global Chinese Writing Competition

Two Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi students received awards in the prestigious ‘First Global Chinese Writing Competition for Young Writers.’ The Dulwich students faced stiff competition, with more than 2,000 students from over 100 well-renowned international schools, bilingual schools and overseas public schools across the globe competing. Carel in Year 7 received 2nd Runner Up, and Jacinda in Year 10 won the Star Writer Award. Huge congratulations to the students for participating and receiving global recognition for their talented writing.

BEIJING GUANGZHOU

FOSHAN

Annual Reading Day at AISB-Hope International

On March 4, AISB-Hope held their annual Reading Day celebration that promotes the love of reading to all students. Each elementary class chose a book to represent by decorating their classroom doors, wearing costumes inspired by characters in the book and reading excerpts from the chosen book to other students. Activities during the day engaged students and made them part of the fantastic world of reading!

CIS Announces IB PYP Candidacy

CIS is very proud to announce that they are now a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program and pursuing authorization as an IB World School. As a proud Alberta Accredited International School (AAIS), they are fully committed to Canadian education and to pursuing their world-class Alberta curriculum, as they know that it is a worldclass system that opens pathways to top universities and careers around the world. They made the decision to pursue IB PYP (for ages 3-12) accreditation, knowing that CIS would be a good fit, as IB is a framework that can fit over and into the Canadian curriculum seamlessly. There are several IB + AAIS schools across Canada.

Open Day Held at House of Knowledge International Kindergarten

House of Knowledge, a Reggio Emilia inspired Kindergarten, hosted a handson open day event to give children and parents the chance to experience their ‘child centered’ Reggio approach. The immersive project-based learning environment stepped onto the Beijing scene in 2007 and provides an optimized learning atmosphere for children from 18 months to 6 years old.

Lady Eleanor Holles Foshan Showcases Musical Talent

LEH Foshan provides an exciting and diverse range of musical activities giving students of all abilities the opportunities to perform. Their first Spring Concert is but one of the recitals where students showcased their talents playing the piano, cello, violin, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, saxophone and group singing. It was delightful to see the young and talented musicians perform with such passion.

That’s Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in China.

By Joshua Cawthorpe

Taurus

4.21~5.21

Taureans, unsurprisingly, aren’t known for their patience. Be aware that your fuse will be extra short in May. Confidence is key, yes, but a god complex can be off-putting. Try to come up with some harmless flaws that you can pretend to have in order to make yourself more relatable. Jump on Dianping and find some daytime activities that you’ve never tried before. Explore an ancient water village or go to an art gallery. There is more to this life than free flow boozy brunches on the weekend, not that you can’t do both.

Gemini

5.22~6.21

In the lead up to your month, expect a lot of static on the airwaves. You will find yourself feeling a bit on edge and possibly confused about your goals. Routine will be your friend this month so make sure that physical and mental health are interwoven into your daily schedule. If not, expect a case of ‘the Mondays’ that lasts through the week.

Cancer

6.22~7.22

You will run into a person or group that you’ve been badmouthing for the better part of two years. Let the grudge go and be polite. People rarely analyze the behavior or opinions of others as much as we worry that they do.

Leo

7.23~8.23

Virgo

8.24~9.23

Pet ownership in China is a big responsibility. Take some time this month to make sure that your better half is getting the pampering they deserve. Dogs need exercise, regardless of the length of their congenitally defective legs.

Libra

9.24~10.23

Finding the constellation of Libra is easy. Look for the big dipper, then follow its handle down to the bright star in the middle, Arcturus. One more notch down from there and you will find Virgo to the right and Libra to the left. Similarly, if you examine your reflection in the back of a spoon, then follow the handle down, you will see a big belly.

Scorpio

10.24~11.22

Scorpio. S for seductive, C for complicated, O for opportunistic and R for repay that person you owe money. You might have resolved that it’s not a big deal, but it’s the thought that counts more than the sum of the loan. Pay it back to pay it forward.

Sagittarius

11.23~12.21

Capricorn

12.22~1.20

Capricious is an adjective meaning ‘given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.’ Lean into that when making excuses for yourself. You didn’t choose to be born just after Christmas. One of the greatest skills in life is knowing when to hit and when to fold. This month don’t be afraid to set down your cards and sit this round out. A penny saved is a penny earned and cutting your losses in the long term is sometimes as good as winning in the short term.

Aquarius

1.21~2.19

Link yourself up with an Aries until October 9. That’s when the full moon occurs in Aries and you have until then to soak up their cosmic rays. Ride their good fortune like a remora — you are a water sign after all.

Pisces

2.20~3.20

Your ruling planet, Neptune, takes about 164 years to complete its cycle. Last time the King of the Sea was in this neighborhood, they were signing the treaties of Tianjin and letting in one of the first waves of expat residents.

Aries

3.21~4.20

Aries’ are known for making the wrong choice more often than not. Don’t be afraid to bounce most, if not all, of your ideas, life goals and fleeting impulses off those closest to you. Will it annoy the heck out of them? Yes, but your hapless choices would have anyways.

Learn We Grow We Inspire!