The year 8, St Mary’s College students are learning the language basics of Mandarin, led by teacher Scott Harris and three locally-based Chinese families.

It is the only Mandarin language class being taught in 25 Catholic schools across the region.

Principal Max Quirk said the language trial made sense given the strengthening ties, both locally and nationally, with our northern neighbour, highlighting Gunnedah’s upcoming trade mission to China.

“The better we understand the language now, the better we’ll be in the long run,” Mr Quirk said.

Language assistant Helen Lui was thrilled by the kids’ great response and commended the school and Mr Harris’ initiative.

“They have created something phenomenal,” she said. “Not just for Gunnedah but the whole region.”

Teacher Mr Harris said having local Chinese families in class to share their knowledge about the language and the country in general, was the program’s biggest asset.

“The students like speaking to a Chinese person,” Mr Harris said.

“It puts things in a real world setting.”

He thought it also supported our developing business interests.

“[Mandarin] is an emerging language in Australia,” he said. “And we’re doing more business with China.

“It’s exciting to see how enthusiastic the students are in the class.”

St Mary’s Mandarin lessons are catching on quick and already the class has an offshoot, the Chinese Club – a lunchtime catch-up for students in other grades to learn a few phrases, chow down on local cuisine, listen to music and play the Chinese game of skill, Mahjong.

Also in the pipeline, although only a “thought bubble” at this stage Mr Quirk said, is an student exchange program with a Chinese school. It is envisaged the reciprocal arrangement would complement St Mary’s language program and offer students a greater cultural understanding.