Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration occurring annually on 17 March. Celebrations involve parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. A public holiday in Ireland, it is also widely celebrated around the world, including Beijing. With the Irish Ball this coming weekend, and bars and restaurants serving up pints of Guinness and bowls of Irish stew, why not join in the celebrations and enjoy a night of comedy, with laughs from some of Ireland’s finest comedians. Spring sees a number of international schools flinging open their doors to prospective parents, with campus tours, and talks from key teaching and faculty staff. Soccer camps are a chance for kids to hone their ball skills, with coaches providing valuable insight and direction for budding young soccer stars. Manchester United Soccer Schools is coming to Shunyi, giving an exciting opportunity for kids to train with Premier League coaches. On the theme of kids keeping fit, Incy Wincy Yoga now offers classes at Beijing Riviera Country Club.
Comedy Night at Charcoal
Newly opened brewpub and BBQ joint Charcoal, is hosting The Punchline Comedy Club in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. On Wednesday, March 18 from 8.30-11.30pm some of Ireland’s best and brightest talents will be in Beijing, promising a night of fun and plenty of laughter. Colin Murphy (see picture above), Ian Morgan, and Colum McDonnell will be bringing the best of Irish wit and humor. RMB 300 tickets on sale from Charcoal, REDSTAR Works (near Big Smoke), and online at www.redstarworks.com/comedy/
Open House at WAB
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is holding a whole school open house, for prospective parents, on Thursday, March 12 from 9.30am-12pm. There will be a tour of the campus, and a chance to hear from parents, teachers, and faculty members. WAB celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2014. The open house is an opportunity for parents and kids, as well as other interested parties, to see all that WAB has to offer in the next 20 years and beyond. To register for the open house, email admissions@wab.edu
Open House at HoK
House of Knowledge (HoK) Quanfa Campus is holding an open house on Monday, April 20 at 10.30am. During the open house, prospective parents will meet with the HoK Education Director, who will talk about the curriculum and language immersion project program. Parents will have the opportunity to tour the facilities and talk personally with the Headmistress and other faculty members. To register for the open house, email info@hokschools.com
Soccer School
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is playing host to Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS), on Tuesday March 31 – Thursday April 2, from 8am-5pm. The MUSS camps give kids the opportunity to learn training tricks and techniques from some of the best soccer players in the world. Premier League football coaches from Manchester, England, will be delivering 21 hours of coaching, designed by Manchester United’s first team coaches. Coaching sessions include combine to attack, make it count, and explosive play. Players who compete in the Manchester United skills challenges, which will be held at every camp, may have a chance to play at the World Skills Final in Manchester. The soccer school is open to everyone aged 6-18 years, male or female, and players of all abilities are welcome to attend. For booking information, and pricing information visit www.china.manutdsoccerschools.com/british-school-of-beijing-shunyi
Kids Yoga
Yoga can deliver a great deal of benefits for young children and teens, and has been proven to help with concentration, overall fitness, and building flexibility and strength. The classes run by Incy Wincy Yoga are both fun and themed. Classes take place every Wednesday 5.30-6.15pm for 6-12 year olds, and 6.30-7.30pm for teenagers, at Beijing Riviera Country Club. All classes taught in English. RMB 120/class, RMB 1,000/10 classes, RMB 50/initial trial class. Bring your own yoga mat, or buy one for RMB 200. To book contact Angelina (186 1156 8556, angelina@incywincyyoga.com)
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: jmcarthy99 (Flickr), courtesy of HoK and BSB
