We are delighted to share that a group of F9 students, alongside members of Clippers in Motion, recently took part in our intergenerational letter exchange project.   As part of this initiative, students wrote letters to residents at Casa Maior Porto, a local care home for the elderly.   Earlier this month, the students received heartfelt replies from their new pen pals and were truly moved and excited by the experience. It has been wonderful to witness the genuine connections beginning to form through these exchanges.   Clippers in Motion are proud to continue this project, as it not only raises awareness about the lives and experiences of older members of our community, but also encourages students to reflect on their importance in society.   Through this initiative, students develop greater empathy, respect, and a deeper sense of social responsibility.   We have also learned from Casa Maior that the residents greatly cherish these letters. For many, this exchange offers a meaningful moment of connection, helping them feel less lonely and more included.   Clippers in Motion are currently organising a visit to Casa Maior, where students will have the opportunity to meet their pen pals in person and strengthen these special intergenerational bonds.    

The award ceremony for the “My China Story” Short Video Competition, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, was held in Lisbon on 6 June 2026, bringing together participants from across the country to celebrate cultural exchange and storytelling. Among the recognised winners were two Confucius Classroom extracurricular Chinese students, Skylar (Form 4) and Keagan (Form 5), who were awarded Third Prize in the Portuguese Division for their outstanding video submission. Notably, they were also among the youngest participants to receive an award in this year’s competition. Skylar and Keagan began learning Chinese three years ago. Through dedication and consistent effort, they have become confident speakers, able to communicate fluently in everyday situations while demonstrating impressive language ability and cross-cultural understanding. Their passion for learning Chinese has remained steadfast over the years. Daily activities such as practising conversations together, carefully writing Chinese characters, watching Chinese cartoons, and reading Chinese storybooks have become part of their routine. Additionally, topics such as Chinese cuisine, history, and traditional culture feature prominently in their interests and discussions.   Learning Chinese has not only equipped them with valuable language skills but has also enabled them to build meaningful international connections. Through their studies, they have formed friendships with peers in China, viewing the Chinese language as a bridge that fosters mutual understanding and friendship across cultures.   At the ceremony, the students received their awards under the guidance of Ms Zhang Yan, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho, and their teacher, Ms Maggie Wang. Their achievement reflects both their personal commitment to language learning and the school’s broader dedication to promoting international-mindedness, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.