weLearn News

2012.01.01
weLearn Newsletter –January 2012

Happy 2012!  Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.   

 weLearn spring semester is off to a good start.  Everyone is excited about the beginning of the new semester.  Let’s start this one with energy and enthusiasm to last all year long!  As we understand that communication is one of the most important keys in helping your child succeed, we will strive to continue keeping you updated with what’s happening in classes.  At the same time, we look forward to hearing your feedback.

What’s New?

Welcome back, Fannie!

Fannie Wang is an experienced teacher who has over 10 years experience in teaching Chinese.  Fannie will teach Class 302 – Mandarin Chinese Level 2 this semester.

 New class in Novato

Class 301N – Mandarin Chinese Level 1 begins!  In this class, student will learn how to read and write their first 100 Chinese characters and practice basic dialogue.  We still have space for a few more students, please spread the word.

 Chinese New Year

is around the Corner.  According to the Chinese Zodiac, it’s the Year of the dragon.  January 23rd is the start of the Dragon Year.  The Dragon is the 5th sign in the circle of Chinese Zodiac; it’s a sign of power, superiority and rule.  Wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Dragon!  Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 Important Dates

1/1/12        Happy New Year!

1/8/12        Spring semester begins!

1/16/12      Martin Luther King Day   

1/23/12      First day of Lunar New Year – Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2011.12.31
weLearn Newsletter –2011 Review

It has been a great pleasure working with you all in year 2011.  Thank you to all students and parents for your trust and support.  Thank you to our talented team, including our staff, teachers, TAs and volunteers for your time and effort.  With our commitment to strengthening our portfolio of offerings, in year 2011 –

·         we offered a new class designed for teen and adult learners – Class 321 –  Practical Chinese. I’m very impressed with students’ dedication to Chinese language studying;

·         we launched the new program Spring into Chinese in Novato;

·         we moved to a new location to better serve you;

·         we expended to San Rafael;

·         we offered homework help for Mandarin level 1 thru level 4 students who need extra help, or simply need extra time spent in a Chinese speaking environment;

·         our Mandarin Chinese Level 2 thru Level 7 students participated on the Chinese Proficiency Test;

·         the mobile weLearn program continues to grow healthily. With the passion of bringing the Chinese language and culture to students in the community,

•  weLearn has gladly accepted Montessori de Terra Linda’s offer to deliver Mandarin Chinese class as one of the after-school enrichment classes. The first session went very well.
• we are also working with other schools in Santa Rosa and Marin County.  
• more and more educators and parents agree to expend children’s culture awareness by learning a new language

As you continue to see weLearn grow, one thing remains the same: our goal to inspire a love of learning in every student.

Happy New Year!

2011.12.01
weLearn Newsletter –December 2011

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break.  I’m thankful for having all of your trust and support. 

What’s New?
Fall semester will end in less than 2 weeks.  Winter break starts from December 19th through January 8, 2012.  Happy Holidays to all!

Mandarin Chinese Level 1
students will complete the study of the level 1 course and have the final test next week.   

Mandarin Chinese Level 2
students have completed the study of the level 2 course and passed the test with outstanding results.  All students are promoted to the next level – Mandarin Chinese Level 3.  Congratulations!

Spring 2012 Online Signup
will start on December 12th.  Detail of class offerings will be sent out shortly.

Important Dates
12/12               Registration for spring 2012 starts
12/18               Last day of fall semester
12/19 – 1/8       Winter break – no classes
1/9/2012          First day of spring semester

2011.11.01
weLearn Newsletter –November 2011

What’s New? 
Chinese proficiency tests are looking great  
Each level’s students did pretty well with the listening skills portion of the test.  At the same time, students’ progress in reading comprehension is pretty impressive too.  Exam results will be posted soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

 weLearn has expanded to San Rafael!
With a passion for bringing the Chinese language and culture to students in the community, weLearn has gladly accepted Montessori de Terra Linda’s offer to deliver Mandarin Chinese class as one of the after-school enrichment classes. The first class kicked off well.  It’s a great pleasure to meet another group of eager learners.

Need Assistance/Help?
weLearn now offers homework help for Mandarin level 1 thru level 4 students who need extra help, or simply need extra time spent in a Chinese speaking environment! Help is here, Mondays from 4:00 – 5:00.  Contact us for more detail.

 Important Dates
11/6                 Daylight Saving Time ends – don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour and enjoy extra sleep!
11/11               Veterans Day.  weLearn is open as usual
11/22 - 27       Thanksgiving Holiday – no classes

2011.10.01
weLearn Newsletter –October 2011

2011 fall semester is off to a great start  
We would like to extend the warmest welcome to our new students!  All continuing Mandarin classes and Math class students, welcome back!  We look forward to having another wonderful school year ahead of us.

Conversational Chinese classes are learning and practicing commonly-used expressions about greetings, introduction, etc. while they are having fun with kid songs.  All levels of Mandarin Chinese classes are getting on track.  Other than learning what’s in the textbook, students are also receiving training for the standardized exams.  We promote learning through testing.

It’s time for Chinese proficiency test
Our Mandarin Chinese Level 7 class has taken the HSK test.  Tests for students from Level 2 through Level 6 will take place shortly.  Students’ listening skill and reading comprehension skills will be tested.  If any former student is interested in taking this exam, please contact us ASAP.

About Chinese Proficiency Test
Designed and developed by Beijing Language and Culture University, approved by Hanban (Office of Chinese Language Council International), the HSK (汉语水平考试) is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency.  It accesses non-native speakers’ (foreigners, overseas Chinese, as well as students of Chinese national minorities) abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. 

The YCT (Youth Chinese Test) was launched in an effort to encourage foreign young students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency.  It’s a benchmark for students who want to participate in the HSK test.

Important Dates
10/10/11  Columbus Day – weLearn opens as usual
10/31/11  Halloween – Have a fun and safe one!

2011.09.01
weLearn Newsletter –September 2011

What’s New?

New Location  
Just a reminder, we’ve moved.  The weLearn Petaluma Campus is now located at
1370 Industrial Ave. Suite D,  Petaluma

New Classes  
Class 300N – Conversational Chinese, is an addition to our offering in Novato. Designed for beginners from age of 4 – 10, this class meets once a week from 4:00 – 5:00pm on Sundays.

Class 301W - Mandarin Chinese Level 1 class on Wednesday, is a new class which will start from Lesson 1, perfect for new learners from age of 6 and up.

We are planning to add an Art Class to our after school programs.  Announcement will be sent out soon.  Keep an eye out for it.

Online signup…
Went pretty well.  Class 301 is almost full.  Other classes are filling up soon.  The start of our fall semester is just around the corner.  If you want to join us this fall but haven’t signed up yet, please act quickly to secure your spot. Go to http://weLearnzone.com/fall and select your class(es).

Important Dates
9/5/11      Happy Labor Day!
9/6/11      First day of our fall semester
9/6/11      Class 101, Math Enrichment begins
9/7/11      Class 301W, Mandarin Chinese Level 1 begins
9/9/11      Class 304, Mandarin Chinese Level 4 begins
9/11/11     Class 300, Conversational Chinese resumes
9/11/11     Class 302N, Mandarin Chinese Level 2 resumes in Novato
9/11/11     Class 300N, Conversational Chinese begins in Novato
9/12/11     Class 301, Mandarin Chinese Level 1 resumes
9/12/11     Class 307, Mandarin Chinese Level 6/7 combo begins
9/12/11     Class 321, Practical Chinese for teens and adults begins

2011.08.01
weLearn Newsletter –August 2011

What’s New?

We’ve Moved  
But we haven’t travelled far.  The weLearn Petaluma Campus is now resides at
1370 Industrial Ave. Suite D,  Petaluma

The address is new, but the business is the same.  Our focus is still Mandarin Chinese and Math tutoring.  Our email address and phone number remain the same. 

Registration for fall semester starts  
Online signup is available now. To secure your spot, go to http://weLearnzone.com/fall and select your class(es).

Important Dates
8/1/11      Online signup starts
9/6/11      First day of our fall semester

2011.07.01
weLearn Newsletter –July 2011

What’s New?

Summer  
has officially arrived about 10 days ago.  Hope everyone has some summer fun with family and friends.

Fall Semester  
Will begin on September 6th.  Many of you are getting ready for registration.  Thank you for your continued support.  Here are our offerings in fall:

Class 300 – Conversational Chinese

Class 301 – Mandarin Chinese Level 1

Class 302 - Mandarin Chinese Level 2

Class 303 - Mandarin Chinese Level 3

Class 304 - Mandarin Chinese Level 4

Class 307 - Mandarin Chinese Level 7

Class 101 – Math Enrichment
This program is designed to supplement students' classroom learning –

I’m still fine tuning the schedule.  Online signup will be available in early August.  

Important Dates
7/4/11     Happy Independence Day!
7/18/11   Academic Summer Camp begins
7/22/11   Advanced Chinese - Class 306 begins
8/1/11      online registration starts

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

2011.06.01
weLearn Newsletter –June 2011

What’s New?

Spring into Chinese  
a 4-week session designed for beginners, was completed successfully on 5/22/11.  Many thanks for all your support.  Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to reach such a great accomplishment.  This is a warm up session for our Conversational Chinese. The class material for the session has been recorded.  Check them out on our Facebook page and keep practicing during the summer.

Mandarin Chinese Classes  
All students’ hard work is shown on their tests.  Check out their test scores in the discussion area on our Facebook page.

Class 300 - Conversational Chinese is one of the new classes that we started in the spring.  Students started with zero to minimum Chinese language knowledge.  After their study in the past 5 months, they can handle many mini dialogues, such as greeting, introduction, telling time, favorite food, etc.  Way to go!  This class will resume in the fall.

Class 300N, a new Conversational Chinese will start in Novato this fall.  Registration will start in August.  “Like” us on Facebook to receive the latest updates.

Both Mandarin Chinese Level 1 (class 301) and Level 2 (class 302N) have finished 3 units and had the unit test right before summer break.  I’m amazed with their test results.  We will complete the next unit during the fall semester. Classes will resume in early September. 

Class 303 – Mandarin Chinese Level 3 class ended the semester with the completion of Zhongwen vol.3 (《中文》第三册).  All students have studied hard to achieve this milestone.  Students with a test score of “C” or higher will be promoted to Mandarin Chinese Level 4 class next semester.

Class 305 – Mandarin Chinese Level 5 class also completed the textbook for their level, Zhongwen vol. 5 (《中文》第五册) before the summer break. All proud students are promoted to Level 6.  We will offer Level 6 class during the summer, in July and August. Online Signup is available now.

Class 307 – Mandarin Chinese Level 7 class students have been trying very hard to allocate time for the continued study of Chinese.  All students showed improvement in composition writing.

Practical Chinese is a new class designed for teen and adult learners. I’m very impressed with students’ dedication to Chinese language studying.  

Looking for summer learning? Check out our summer programs:    
Fun Filled Chinese Week
Tailored for students aged 5 – 10, this class provides a fun filled week with Chinese language and culture. Students will develop listening and speaking skills through many forms of learning.

High School Chinese Summer Camp
Designed for high school students, this program is for anyone who is interested in Chinese language and culture.

Academic Summer Camp
A full day of learning and fun tailored for students entering 1st - 8th grades. 

Advanced Mandarin Chinese class aka Mandarin Chinese Level 6
Designed for students who is willing to enrich their Chinese skills during the summer
Prerequisites: completion of Zhongwen vol. 5 (《中文》第五册) or equivalent

To signup, go to http://weLearnzone.com/signup/

Important Dates
6/6/11     Fun Filled Chinese Week #1 starts at 9:00am
6/6/11     High School Chinese Summer Camp begins at 2:00pm
6/13/11   Fun Filled Chinese Week #2 starts at 9:00am

2011.05.01
weLearn Newsletter –May 2011

What’s New?

Spring into Chinese  
a 4-week session designed for beginners, starts on Sunday, 5/1/11! Space is limited.  Signup online before the last 2 seats are gone.

Spring is here; summer is not too far away 
If you haven’t planned for the summer yet, it’s time to check out our summer camp offers:
Fun Filled Chinese Week
Tailored for students aged 5 – 10, this class provides a fun filled week with Chinese language and culture. Students will develop listening and speaking skills through many forms of learning.
High School Chinese Summer Camp
Designed for high school students, this program is for anyone who is interested in Chinese language and culture.
Academic Summer Camp
A full day of learning and fun tailored for students entering 1st - 8th grades. 

To signup, go to http://weLearnzone.com/signup/

Important Dates
5/1/11     Spring into Chinese starts!
5/3/11     National Teachers Day.  Happy Teachers Day to all teachers!
5/8/11     Mother’s Day.  Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
5/26/11   Last day of weLearn’s spring semester
5/27/11   Hats off to the Class of 2011!

2011.04.01
weLearn Newsletter –April 2011

What’s New?
Spring is here; flowers are blooming; opportunity is knocking.  In response to popular demand, weLearn is offering a new Mandarin Chinese course in Novato -

Spring into Chinese:
A progressive introduction to oral Mandarin Chinese.  Lessons are integrated with pattern drills, songs, stories, games, and more. Throughout the course, students will practice basic conversation about common topics with commonly used Chinese characters and phrases.

Date:  5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22

Time:  4:00 ~ 5:00pm on Sunday

Benefits

Why weLearn Mandarin Chinese

To signup: 

Go to:  http://welearnzone.com/signup/

 Important Dates

4/24/11   Easter Sunday.  Happy Easter!

5/1/11     Spring into Chinese begins

2011.03.01
weLearn Newsletter –March 2011

What’s New?

The STAR test is around the corner.  Designed to measure how well the California public education system and its students are performing, the STAR test is given to CA students from 2nd grade up to junior year of high school.  Our STAR test prep is underway.  Come talk to us for the best support for your children and help them succeed in school

weLearn Summer Programs will be released within this month.  Keep an eye out for this summer’s offers.

Practical Chinese Class is off to a great start.  We still have space for a few more students; please continue spreading the word out to the community.  This course will be of great value for teen and adult learners who want to learn about Chinese language and culture.
Signup online now!

Important Dates
3/13/11   Daylight Saving Time begins.  Turn your clocks forward an hour.
3/14/11   A day to celebrate math.  Happy National Pi Day!
3/17/11   Celebration of Irish culture.  Don’t forget to wear green.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!
3/21~27  Spring break – no class.  Have an enjoyable spring break!

2011.02.01
weLearn Newsletter –February 2011

Happy Chinese New Year!
This year, Chinese New Year is on February 3, 2011—the year of the Rabbit! If you were born in 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, or 1951, your Chinese zodiac sign is the rabbit.  During February, Chinese New Year celebration, stories about Chinese Zodiac, songs, as well as arts and crafts will be shared in Mandarin classes, both on-site and remote classes.

What’s New?

Mandarin Chinese Level 1 class is full
We now have a waitlist for those who want to enroll in the fall semester.   Reserve your spot now!

Practical Chinese Class begins on 2/16
Tailored for teen and adult learners, this 16-hour course will be of great value for anyone who wants to learn about Chinese language and culture, such as:

Signup online now !

weLearn is on Facebook
LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/weLearn where you will get the latest news and updates.

Important Dates
2/3/11     Chinese New Year’s Day.  Happy Chinese New Year!
2/14/11   Happy Valentines Day to all!
2/16/11   Class 321 – Practical Chinese starts

2/19/11   President’s Day.  weLearn will be open as usual

2011.01.01
weLearn Newsletter –January 2011

Happy New Year!
Wishing all a healthier, happier, and more productive year 2011!

Thank You!
Despite the heavy rain, our year-end party was a success.  Thanks for all who came and made this party a great success. 

And a big “Thank You” to all for your support in year 2010.  Without the significant contributions made by all supporters, including parents, teachers, local schools, PTAs, students, and volunteers, we would certainly not exist. 

Enrollment to weLearn
is on a semester basis only. Register and pay in full by the first day of class to take advantage of the discounted rate.

weLearn is on Facebook
With the help of my IT team, weLearn is now on Facebook.  Simply “like” and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, including homework assignments, schedule changes, etc. 

Important Dates

1/1/11              New Year’s Day.  Happy New Year!
1/3/11              First day of spring semester
1/4/11              Class 101 – Math Enrichment starts
1/4/11              Class 305 – Mandarin Chinese Level 5 starts
1/5/11              Class 301 – Mandarin Chinese Level 1 starts
1/6/11              Class 307 – Mandarin Chinese Level 7 starts
1/7/11              Class 303 – Mandarin Chinese Level 3 starts
1/9/11              Class 302N – Mandarin Chinese Level 2 (Novato) starts
1/9/11              Class 300 – Conversational Chinese class starts
1/17/11            Martin Luther King Day, weLearn will be opened as usual
1/23/11            Class 320 - Introduction to Business Chinese starts
1/24/11            Class 321 - Practical Chinese 1 starts

2010.12.01
weLearn Newsletter –December 2010

What’s New?
Fall Semester is nearing its end
While for some, this may mean fun and games, for others, it is a time of stress and finals. I strongly recommend students make good use of their time at weLearn, get all questions answered and release or reduce the stress.   

Winter Holiday Party
It’s that time of year again! The annual weLearn holiday party is scheduled for December 17 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Keep your eye out for the invitation and mark your calendars!

Turkey Leg Relays
was a success! Team weLearn won second place in their division! Let’s see if we can have more participants next year.

Spring 2011
As 2010 comes to an end, 2011 will pick up immediately. Registration starts December 15. Completed registration forms and tuition payments can either be turned in to the weLearn campus in person or by mail.  Class sizes are limited, so registration is on a first come-first serve basis.  Students will receive enrollment confirmation prior to the beginning of the semester. 

Spring 2011 schedule:

               
Important Dates
12/19/10    Last day of fall semester
12/19/10    weLearn year-end party
12/20 – 1/2      Winter break.  No classes at weLearn 
1/3/2011    First day of spring semester

2010.11.01
weLearn Newsletter –November 2010

What’s New?
Develop a Roadmap to Success
Nowadays, as parents juggle jobs and family time, and teachers struggle with overcrowded classrooms, students strive to achieve academic success while keeping extra-curricular activities.  It is very helpful for parents to work together with teachers and child(ren) to develop a roadmap to success.  Many schools are having parent-teacher conferences in November; don’t miss this opportunity to learn about your child(ren)’s scholastic performance, achievements, and difficulties, if any.  Furthermore, recommending ways to help your child(ren) resolve any difficulties, encouraging learning outside of school, and helping set goals and priorities together, are all valuable for success.

Chinese Proficiency Test
was completed last week.  Mandarin Chinese level 2 thru level 7 students have participated in the exams.  We received positive feedback from students and parents.  Students benefit by increasing their confidence in learning and discovering areas of needed improvement.  Overall, it was a good experience.   
Turkey Leg Relays 
       

Looking for a great way to start this year’s Thanksgiving Day?  The 7th Annual Turkey Leg Relays will start at 9:00am on Thanksgiving Day at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma.  It’s a relay race with teams of two, each teammate will run a leg of 2.1 miles around Shollenberger Park.  All ages are welcome.   
weLearn will pay the entry fee for the first 10 weLearn students who sign up for the relay.  Let’s go weLearn!
               
Important Dates
11/7/10      Daylight saving time ends at 2:00am on Sunday.  Don’t forget to move the clocks back one hour and "gain" an extra hour
11/11/10     Veteran’s Day.  weLearn will be opened as usual
11/24 – 28  Thanksgiving break.  No classes at weLearn. 
11/25         Thanksgiving Day.  Happy Thanksgiving!
11/25         7th Annual Turkey Leg Relays starts at 9:00am