Research shows that children have an amazing aptitude to learn languages from an early age. Furthermore, according to Dr. Mandy Scott from the ANU, learning two languages before the age of five produces the strongest results.
At Mandarin Stars we agree with this research and are constantly amazed at how quickly children under 5 are able to memorise, repeat and naturally use basic Mandarin vocabulary. According to Dr. Naomi Steiner from The Boston University School of Medicine, this is due to the plasticity of the young brain which is able to adapt, build connections and essentially learn faster with less exposure.
Furthermore, in our Mandarin Stars Playgroup classes, we are always amazed at how children use perfect pronunciation – even building basic sentences with ease! Why not register your child for a free trial class and see for yourself.
OUR PEOPLE
Dawna – Founder & Director
B.A. (Hons), TEFL, M.Ed.
As the Founder & Director of Mandarin Stars since early 2008, Dawna has pioneered the Mandarin Stars programs in Australia as a true labour of love. Motivated to create the Mandarin Stars programs for her own children, Dawna and the Mandarin Stars team now deliver our curriculum across Australia and also in Europe.
Having launched Mandarin Stars Online this year, our Mandarin Stars classes are now also taught to children in both regional and rural Australia with plans to also share our program with students across the globe. Passionate about inspiring in our students a love for learning- Dawna’s hope for all of her students is that they can develop the capacity and confidence to communicate in Mandarin, thus connecting with a wider global community… and also engaging with 1.5 billion other Mandarin speakers worldwide!
Stella Zhang
Stella is a lively Mandarin Stars teacher and has been working in education for over 9 years. As a qualified Primary school Mandarin teacher from Beijing, Stella loves teaching Mandarin to children and has also further received a Certificate of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Beijing Language and Culture University.
Stella brings a vibrant energy to our Mandarin Stars team and has developed a great rapport with her learners.
Mandy Li
Mandy is a highly qualified Mandarin teacher (in both China and Australia) with over ten years teaching experience. Mandy has a Master of Education (Higher Education) from The University of Sydney and also a Master of Education from China University of Petroleum Bachelor.
Mandy also has a certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Sun Yat-sen University Certificate and also a Certificate in Community Language Teaching from The University of Sydney. Passionate about teaching Mandarin and curriculum development, Mandy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our Mandarin Stars programming team.
Rachael Goh, Franchisee for Mandarin Stars – South Perth
Rachael is our Franchisee for Perth South and has a wealth of experience in teaching within early childhood settings for over 15 years as a Preschool teacher and as an amazing Mandarin Stars educator. Mum to two beautiful girls, Rachael is originally from Malaysia and loves to share all things Chinese… be it culture, language or food! Rachael loves to share her love and appreciation for the learning of Mandarin and is a wonderful contributor to our team as a Franchisee and teacher.
Nita Yang, Franchisee for Mandarin Stars – Chadstone
Nita is our Franchisee for Melbourne-Chadstone and has been teaching and leading our Melbourne classes since 2018. Mum to Jaslyn and Josh, Nita is also passionate about making the learning of Mandarin fun and engaging for her own children, and also our young Mandarin Stars learners.
Charlotte Xiao, Franchisee for Mandarin Stars – St. Ives & Gordon
Charlotte is a qualified Mandarin teacher from the University of Technology- Sydney, and is the Franchisee for Gordon & St. Ives. Passionate about the teaching and learning of Mandarin, Charlotte is a wonderful member of our team.
Sanny Lee, Franchisee for Strathfield
Sanny is our Franchisee for Strathfield and has been teaching with Mandarin Stars since 2012. Sanny has a Masters in Early Childhood from the University of Sydney and is a dedicated and qualified early childhood educator at Mandarin Stars. Sanny is also a passionate dancer, specialising in K-POP and Latin Dancing.
Jin Chang, Enrolments and Business Operations Support
Jin has been working and teaching at Mandarin Stars since 2014 and is our Enrolments and Business Operations Support staff. Jin knows many of our Mandarin Stars students and parents and is our friendly representative at Mandarin Stars Chatswood.