Editor’s Note:
As the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Irvine Chinese School near their 50th anniversary, a special editorial team is collecting reflections from former presidents and principals to preserve this half-century journey.
Cultural Express launches the “Brilliant Fifty” series, featuring selected essays that illuminate the people and stories that shaped our community.
Journeying Back, Remembering Beginnings
Since returning to the U.S. from Singapore and settling in Irvine, 40 years have gone by as if in a haze.
If life were, as has been said, to be a journey with endless twists and turns, I must say being principal of Irvine Chinese School (ICS) 37 years ago was a page in the album of my life’s travels that, though deviating from the original itinerary, must be treasured.
In my younger days, before life plans were yet to be defined, I had taught at the National Chung Hsing University and the China Maritime College.
However, I was then teaching college students. The second year after arriving in Irvine, I started teaching young children at the Irvine Chinese School.
It was a totally new attempt. When I look back on my decision to accept the position of Principal at ICS in 1988, I still feel shivers.
I can only footnote that page of my life’s journey with the notation that I was bolstered by the ignorance of the uninitiated.
Honoring Foundations, Bridging Beginnings
At the time, ICS was barely 12 years old. However, the relentless efforts of the principals during the founding period, the help of countless behind-the-scenes parents, teachers and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association (SCCCA), gave the school a basic structure.
During 1988-89, the year of my service, the enrollment had increased to more than 670, 24 classes of regular Chinese language instruction and 21 electives (calligraphy, dance, martial arts, etc.)
There were 30 teachers, 4 administrators, and we rented 33 classrooms each Sunday from University High School.
Strengthening Within, Broadening Horizons
That year, internally, we maintained or improved upon the activities developed over the years, such as oratorical contests, recitation contests, athletic meets, Chinese New Year celebration, etc.
Externally, we emphasized establishing mutually beneficial relations with the Irvine Unified School District; participating in the activities hosted by the Chinese School Association, sending students to attend the inauguration of the City Council building, etc.
That year, we further added the May Rhythm Concert, Chinese New Year Poster Contest and the Little Panda Choir. We strove to use different channels to further the students’ interest in the Chinese school.
Photos courtesy of former Irvine Chinese School Principal Ping Deng Yow
Passing Torches, Preserving Traditions
During those greenhorn years, with trepidation, we were holding classes in rented classrooms, teaching and administration were still in the process of groping our way toward further progress.
Today, Irvine Chinese School stands tall as a mature, established learning institution with a permanent campus.
With joy and pleasure, I want to sincerely thank generation upon generation of teachers, students, parents and administrators for your contributions–you are the indispensable bricks and stones that form the link in this formidable endeavor of cultural transmission. (Brilliant Fifty XI)