Meet the Team

Welcome to the Mandarin Stars team! As a proud and passionate team- we strive to ensure that we are delivering a first class Mandarin program for children. Our training program for staff is rigorous and we engage in regular in-house and external training workshops and conferences on a regular basis. Staff are also sponsored to attend interstate events including The Chinese Language Teacher’s Conference (Adelaide) and the Raising Children Bilingually Conference (Melbourne). Committed and dedicated to teaching a world leading Mandarin program for children, Mandarin Stars invests heavily in staff development and training. In addition to this, we also like to ensure that staff recognize how thankful we are for their hard work and get the chance to take time out (teaching can be very tiring!). Mandarin Stars therefore makes sure that our whole team is regularly invited to attend a Mandarin Stars Team Building event whereby the sole focus is to connect with other team members and relax!

Dawna Leung (B.A. (Hons), TEFL)                            

Director & Founder

As a mum to two Australian Chinese boys under the age of three, I found it challenging to find Mandarin classes for children that blend an Australian playgroup style approach to learning. So I decided to set one up myself!

Coming from a multilingual British- Chinese household in Warrington, Cheshire, in the UK, I was brought up to speak a Chinese dialect known as Hakka to my grandparents, Cantonese to my parents and siblings and English outside of the home at school and with my English friends. I also studied Latin, French and Spanish at school and later obtained a degree in French with Business Studies at Queen Mary & Westfield College, The University of London.

Having learnt 5 languages, I therefore asked myself: ‘What is the key to learning and maintaining a second language? What will really inspire my sons to learn Mandarin in the future? How can I develop and nurture their future learning? What sort of program will develop their interest and a positive attitude towards learning Mandarin?’

From my own experiences and through research of this highly debated topic, I agree with many others that motivation is the single most important factor in raising children bilingually. According to Edith Harding-Esch, a Senior Research Fellow in Language Education at the University of Cambridge, ‘Without a good reason, the effort required to learn a language is simply not worth making. Children, at least after a certain age, need to be motivated to accept being spoken to in the minority language and to make the attempt to answer their parent in this language.’

I therefore concluded that if the success of my children's ability to learn Mandarin is dependent on their desire to learn, then it should be of paramount importance that the Mandarin Stars program we offer is of pure enjoyment to the children that attend our program. Our approach is not academic or intensive. Instead, we offer activities that build vocabulary and conversational skills in Mandarin in a fun, interactive, learning environment. Our program has been developed so that your child will enjoy learning and playing in Mandarin and as a result, be inspired to learn Mandarin in the future.

I hope you will enjoy watching your child learn, play and be posiively engaged in Mandarin as much as we have enjoyed creating and delivering our program!

Vicky Sun (BA. English Literature, MA. Translation and Interpreting, NAATI, MA International Relations)

General Manager- Teaching Services

What’s your background and experience?

I come from Wuhan, a city in central China. I obtained my Bachelor degree of English Literature in China and a Master degree of Translating and Interpreting with Master of International Relations at Macquarie University. I have over 5 years teaching experience across Kindergarten to University level students teaching both English and Mandarin and am extremely passionate about the field of education.

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

First of all, I love teaching languages. Well-developed language competence enables us to understand others in a better way, but also helps us to appropriately express ourselves. My personal second language learning experience conduces to my proper comprehension of the culture, politics, economy and mindset of English-speaking countries. Therefore, I hope more people would enjoy the benefits of learning Chinese through my teaching. Moreover, the philosophy of Mandarin Stars has attracted me- the importance of learning languages, to build up learners’ interests and create a lot of fun, is fully embodied throughthe  Mandarin Stars teaching methods. Lastly, all teachers at Mandarin Stars are so committed, passionate and helpful that I feel very happy to work with them. Our culture here at Mandarin Stars is very welcoming, the staff all gel together well as a team because they are so passionate about what they do. Furthermore, there is a great emphasis on growing our teachers and supporting them to be the best Mandarin Stars teachers possible. The investment in staff and ensuring that they are well motivated is a key focus at Mandarin Stars while the concept of life-work-balance is also important. As many of our teachers are starting their own families, we are also placing a big emphasis on being a family friendly organisation and are committed to supporting our staff who have taken time off for maternity / paternity leave.

Why do you love working with children?

It is said that I would be the best mother because my horoscope is Cancer. I am not sure if it is true or not however I do think I have a natural skill at bonding with children. I love bonding with children and gain real satisfaction from seeing them learn the language that I love to teach.

Claire Ren (MA. Ed.)

Playgroup Leader/ Mandarin Superstars Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

I have been qualified in the field of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL) since 2002, and in the final year of my university time in China, I was considered as an applicant for Post-Graduate experience and teaching Mandarin at Lampang College of Commerce and Technology (LCCT), Lampang, Thailand, a position I had held for one academic year since that time. After finishing this whole academic year in their multilingual program, I came back to China, and taught Mandarin in a senior high school (Year 10 to 12) for nearly one year. During the same time I also did some volunteer work at EF (English First) language school, which aims at training Chinese children to improve their English skills. In 2008 I completed a Masters Degree (Master of Education) at the University of Sydney and am now studying a Masters in Translation and Interpreting.

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

Throughout my teaching experience, I have developed numerous ideas and opinions about developing the best bilingual teaching environment and development of language curriculums. I have found that learning through playing has the advantages of encouraging students to develop and improve language ability more easily, and this is especially the case for children. The Mandarin Stars program offers me the opportunity to teach Mandarin to children, and also share my own interest and enjoyment of teaching another language.

Why do you love working with children?

Working with children is an amazing job for me, because one can never predict a child’s imagination and passion. I feel that it is really a wonderful thing when I hear children speaking Mandarin that has been learnt from my class.

Monica Meng Li 

(Winner of the 2010 Appentice of the Year Award for the North Shore Times Business Achiever Awards!)

Playgroup Leader/ Mandarin Superstars Teacher

What’s your background and experience?  

I was born and raised in Northern China and speak Mandarin natively. I came to Sydney after high school, and have been living with an Australian family ever since. In 2007 I completed my Foundation Studies at the University of New South Wales, graduating as the top student of the class with a yearly award on International Issues and Perspectives. I am currently studying Linguistics at the University of Sydney and will commence a Master of Teaching in 2011. My previous working experiences include working as a Film Subtitle Translator (English to Chinese) at 2008 Australian Refugee Film Festival and tutoring high school students English. I have also worked in an English training college in Shandong, China as an assistant teacher for the Year 10 program. Being fluent in both Mandarin and English, I speak Cantonese on an intermediate level, and am learning French as my fourth language.   

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?  

I myself started learning English as a second language when I was in kindergarten, thanks to my parents’ belief that being bilingual is extremely beneficial to a person’s future development, and that it is also important to start early. Being a Linguistics student now, I see how right they were, and I would say that making me bilingual is the best gift my parents could ever give me. At Mandarin Stars children learn in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere- they are able to  enjoy themselves and participate actively with no pressure. As someone who has experience in both learning a foreign language as a child and teaching a foreign language to young people, I know how this can have a hugely positive impact on children’s feelings, their willingness to learn, and more importantly, their cognitive development.             

Why do you love working with children?

I just find it so rewarding and lots of fun! Children have incredible ability and potential to learn and create, and I believe that they all deserve to be guided and helped to explore the world in their own way. From my own experience I can see how learning another language from a young age has made it so much easier to learn a new language or any other knowledge later in my life, and I would like to pass this great experience to the children at Mandarin Stars. I understand how important it is to give each and every child a colourful childhood memory which is full of joy, and with love and responsibility, I will try to be one of the brightest colours!

AJ (Anjie) Chen (BA Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language)

Mandarin Superstars Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

My major at University was Teaching Chinese as A Foreign Language. I have been teaching non-Chinese speakers Mandarin for two years since I graduated from East China Normal University in Shanghai. I came to Australia to further my study in English Language. I am currently studying Translating and Interpreting and International Relations at Macquarie University.

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?
I consider working at Mandarin Stars as a great opportunity for me to enrich my teaching experience. Mandarin Stars has such a lovely and enthusiastic team which I really enjoy working with. I believe I can gain a lot from this school and contribute my skills to the group as well.

Why do you love working with kids?

I like working with kids mainly because I think I'm just a big kid myself!  Most people find that working with children is difficult, but I find it really nteresting.  Children are so precious- I think I can relate easily to them and have a good rapport with them.

 
Betty Yu Zhao (MA TESOL)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and Superstars Leader

What’s your background and experience?   

I came to Australia two years ago after I finished my undergraduate studies in China. I completed my first Master degree of Business Law in University of Sydney and then I continued my study in University of Western Sydney where I finished my second Master degree in Interpreting and Translation. When I was in China doing my Bachelor degree, I spent over three years working with children aged 6 to 12 as a primary school voluntary teacher, teaching English and Art. Currently I am doing volunteering work as an English tutor for the Smith Family, teaching Migrants and refugees English in the Home Tutor Scheme program. In the mean time, I am also an IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) teacher specialized in both Academic and General English tests. 

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team? 

As a native Mandarin speaker, I have been studying English as a foreign language for more than 10 years. Being bilingual is such a wonderful belief implanted by my parents who are professors in university in China that it enriches my life, opens the door for me to embrace different cultures and even improves my understanding of my native language. Likewise, as a NATTI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd) accredited translator (English - Mandarin), I deeply believe that knowing a second language is a real asset. Upon graduation, I began my job hunting journey in the teaching field, and Mandarin Stars sparked my interest immediately, which has an amazing insight of offering children a great opportunity and an encouraging environment to learn Mandarin with a lot fun. Besides, flexible and age-appealing teaching methodologies, tons of fabulous update teaching resources and friendly and creative teaching environment in the Mandarin Stars programs make me so proud that I can be a part of this great team. 

Why do you love working with children?

To me, working with children is both demanding and rewarding. Children at their early age genuinely need someone who cares about them, their intellectual growth and their future, who have the commitment, energy and enthusiasm to be positive role models and second language tutors to develop their ability to communicate in a different language in their later life and to increase the flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language. With my teaching and language learning experience, I am pretty much sure that I have this true passion for teaching and working with adorable children who deserve a good start!   

Alva Li (B.A. English Literature & Languages; M.A. Education Psychology; M.A. Teaching) 

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

What’s your background and experience?  

I come from the North Eastern part of China, where only Standard Mandarin is spoken. After the completion of my undergraduate degree in Shanghai, I came to Australia to pursue further studies. I graduated with Merit from The University of Sydney with a Masters degree in Educational Psychology. I also completed a M.A of Teaching at The University of Western Sydney, with a specialisation in teaching Mandarin. I had been teaching both Mandarin and English when I was in China to different age groups, ranging from younger children to adults. Moreover, I have done several practicums in Australian high schools, during which my teaching skills were strongly enhanced and improved. 

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?  

I love teaching, especially teaching in a fun way! Reflecting on my growth path, I realise that having a fun childhood is important to a child’s development. While other children were struggling to memorise a difficult poem, my parents created a song to assist me to remember it since I was really fond of singing at that time. Therefore, I found the potential and talent of children need to be discovered, optimised and most importantly - used to help them obtain higher academic achievement at schools, which is exactly the philosophy and goal of Mandarin Stars. Every member in this team is striving to afford a stress-free and fun learning environment to kids, where their potential is performed and their originality is encouraged. 

Why do you love working with children?

Engaging with children makes me feel vigorous and active. They always see the world with their unique eyes and have plenty of creative ideas. Every day is a rewarding day and every minute, I am learning from them. Also, I have a strong sense of success and satisfaction when witnessing the children’s achievement and development.

Whitney Wang (B.A. Teaching & English Literature)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

 
What’s your background and experience?

In 2009, I graduated from a traditional Normal University in Southwestern China with a Bachelor’s degree in both English and Chinese Literature. During the 4 years’ uni life, I have given private tutorials to several students ranging from primary school new birds to students preparing for uni-entry exam. If I hadn’t come to Sydney in 2010, I would probably be an English teacher in high school and that’s why I did hard in my teaching courses and gained the award of Excellence Internship in Teaching in the University wide. Now, I’m doing Masters’ in the University of Sydney.

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

I came across Mandarin Stars by a lovely coincidence. I love playing with kids but had never dreamed about teaching them Chinese before. Chance like this doesn’t happen too often and I had no hesitation but to accept it when I was luckily chosen although there would be a rigid selection and professional teaching training before I could actually seize it. 

Why do you love working with children?

Tina Zhang (BA Education and Chinese Studies)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

I am from Tientsin. Previously I was a student teacher at Randwick Boys High School teach Background Chinese where I taught  Year 11 and Year 12 students. I have also been tutoring Australian students Mandarin for several years. To see my students learn and progress is the greatest reward from of my work.  

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

Mandarin Stars has set itself as a competitive and thought leading teacher institution. Throughout my training at Mandarin Stars, I have realized that this organization has put so much emphasis on the entire team rather than any individuals. Every team member is willing to share their creative ideas and, they also put lots of efforts in lesson preparation. It is certainly that I will have a great time here to work with such an energetic and wonderful team. 

Why do you love working with children?

In my opinion, a child’s world is simple, pure and full of imagination. I love to know, to hear and to discover more about children. Sometimes, children can make you see the world differently and at times, make you feel that you have a limited outlook, and, as the Chinese would say… ‘just like a frog under a well’.

Michelle Shang (BA English / MA Education/ MA Educational Research)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

I come from the home of the Terracotta Warriors, a place known for its history and its mystery, Shaanxi, China. After obtaining my BA in English literature, I became a university English teacher in Shaanxi. My teaching experience has greatly enriched my life. In 2009, I came to Sydney to pursue further study. I’ve obtained Master of Education (course work) degree with merit at the University of Sydney in 2010 and now I’m doing Master of Education (Research) in USYD. 

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

I love sharing what I have with people. Teaching Mandarin, to me, is to share the entire Chinese culture with people. In Mandarin Stars, I can share my experiences, ideas, knowledge and love with children, and share responsibilities, commitment, the Mandarin Stars team. 

Why do you love working with children?  

I can never resist that naïve and innocent smiles from their faces. I can always hear their merry laughter. I am always challenged by their inquisitive eyes! Staying with them, showing my care and love, watching them grow and learn, there can’t be anything so wonderful like this. What a delight!

Catherine Wang  (Cert III Children's Services)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

I come from a beautiful seaside city – Da Lian of China. I have studied and received my Certificate III in Children’s Services and I am currently a Diploma of Children’s Services course at Crows Nest TAFE. I also work at a long daycare centre caring and nurturing 0 to 5 year olds. I am an enthusiastic team player with the ability to demonstrate initiative and flexibility. 

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

Firstly, I appreciate its philosophy which children’s learning based on playing. I am willing to work from my strengthens by teaching and playing with children. I do believe that children will have lots of fun through exploring Mandarin through play.

Secondly, Mandarin starts has a qualified teaching team. They are cooperative and helpful. Having worked in this environment make me feels support and valued. I would like to contribute my professional knowledge and experiences to the team and provide better service for children and families.

Why do you love working with children?  

As a mother of twelve year-old child, I have sound experience working with children. I have lots of fun through exploring children’s world and watch them grow up. My major is children’s education and I hope I can put my professional knowledge into the practice of teaching Mandarin.

Ami Liu (BA Media & Communications & MA English-Chinese Translation)

Mandarin Stars Playgroup and SuperSTARS Teacher

What’s your background and experience?

This is my 9th year in Sydney. I studied here for high school, my Bachelor degree and also my Masters. For my Bachelor degree, I majored in Media and Communication and Japanese. For my Master degree, I studied English -Chinese translation and some education related electives. 

Prior to joining Mandarin Stars, I have been teaching for the past year at several other Mandarin Chinese Community Schools and I am currently planning to study further Education courses in the future.

Why did you decide to join the Mandarin Stars team?

Nowadays, I think Mandarin is really important in many ways. I always dream that some day more and more people in Australia can speak Mandarin and that Mandarin become the world’s most popular second language that foreign people want to learn. I heard about Mandarin Stars when I was still doing my Masters degree through my university tutor. She told me that Mandarin Stars is a great Mandarin school to teach at and I thought if I could have a chance to be a part of the team then one of my dreams could come true! After several months of training with Mandarin Stars, I believe that Mandarin Stars is the right teaching organisation for me to show my passion, ideas and to gain quality teaching experience.  

Why do you love working with children?  

I realized my love for working with children as a Mandarin teacher at Community Schools. I get real satisfaction when children learn from me and are able to demonstrate their knowledge as they grow and develop.

© 2008 Mandarin Stars Pty Ltd (ACN 131 157 670). All rights reserved.