16 Summer 2015
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Trying out tai chi The Junior School Garden Oval was the picture of serenity during Languages Week, with all students and staff getting the opportunity to try tai chi across two large group sessions. Tai chi is a form of Chinese martial art widely practised for its health benefits. In recent years, studies have shown tai chi practice to improve balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Organised by Junior School Languages Teacher Anna Satti as part of Languages Week celebrations, and in light of the Asia Australia Engagement program, the tai chi sessions saw all staff and students participate on a pleasant spring morning, creating a most serene and memorable experience. Signora Satti said the group sessions had proven to be enjoyable and beneficial for both staff and students. “With tranquil music playing and standing amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Junior School Garden Oval, staff and students were led through a sequence of tai chi manoeuvres with a professional instructor, Ms Louise Walker, from Perth Tai Chi Academy. “Classes attended in two separate groups – Kindergarten to Year 3 and Years 4 to 6. Ms Walker ensured that each group experienced the basics of tai chi, learning also how this ‘meditation in motion’ allows time for calming the soul, improving health, rejuvenating the body and relaxing the mind.
“Students became aware of the energy force of ‘qi’ which tai chi is said to unblock and create flow, while promoting balance of the opposing universe elements ‘yin’ and yang’. Many teachers commented that students resumed the remainder of the day with a relaxed attitude and also with better mental focus. “It was a very enjoyable experience and one that, hopefully, will encourage both students and staff to explore further in the future as a beneficial tool in maintaining mind and body health.”
Tai chi on the Junior School Garden Oval