Mountain: We Did It!!

What a great experience it was to conquer the Jade Mountain! We enjoyed the whole experience from the beginning to the end. It was a challenge; especially the last part to go up to the summit. Nevertheless, we would not have missed it for anything in the world!

To the grade sixes: enjoy this challenge; keep going; the end result is rewarding! Good luck!

Mr. & Mrs. Dollenberg

I remember when I was a Grade 6 student getting ready to climb a mountain. My mother was always very concerned. She’d ask me, “Have you got sunscreen lotion and a hat? Don’t forget to take matches. And have you packed your sleeping bag?”

“Yes, Mother,” I would reply somewhat impatiently. But over time, I discovered that there was something far greater to climbing mountains than the little but nevertheless important things we need to remember to take with us. On the mountain, I could, with such clarity, experience the present moment. My vision was cleared and my strength renewed.

Mountain climbing has taught me never to give up, that nothing is impossible, and that the more difficult the journey, the greater the reward. I look forward to seeing you on the Mountain. And one last thing - don’t forget to take toilet paper.

Shadow Man (Mr. Otter)

To the Grade 6 class of 2009,

May you have a wonderful time climbing Taiwan's highest peak! Enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of nature, enjoy each others' company, and most of all, enjoy the gift of life!

Best wishes to you all,

Mr. Sing Key

joy

reflection

perseverance

physical and mental training

climbing Jade Mountain for graduation

Ms. Constance

This is one of the things you should do in your life; for the stunning view, for the friendship during the journey, and for the self-satisfaction. You should overcome any fear or difficulties and just do it. Once you are at the peak of the mountain, all the hard work would be worth it. This experience is something you can't buy with money.

Now, the first thing you should do is to believe in yourself and say the following loudly and clearly...

I can do it!

Go up there, take some nice photos and share them with me when you come back.

Be strong, be safe, and have fun!

Ms. Debby

At the Summit of Dreams

Here with my companions

On the highest Asian point around

Mist drifting among numb fingers and faces

All turned up to greet a watery grey sunrise

That breaks into our misery and suffering

To remind us strongly of our dreams together.

Ms. Edwards

Dear 6^th Graders:

        You are presented with the chance of a lifetime to experience something unforgettable ~ please accept the challenge with honor and humility.

        Focus on the training sessions to strengthen your physical condition, and collect all the necessary equipments and know how to use them properly.

        We can’t wait to hear your glory when you return… Good luck!

Ms. Frankie

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” ~Helen Keller~

Jade Mountain is a good opportunity and challenge for you to achieve remarkable success in your life. Good luck! I’m proud of you!

Ms. Jerrica

Climbing the Jade Mountain was an unforgettable memory for both me and my brother. In the beginning, we weren’t sure if we could make it. In order to prepare ourselves for the task, we went mountain climbing on the weekends and went jogging during the week to strengthen our muscles and to increase our endurance. We ate healthier and tried not to get sick before we went. We shopped around for the proper equipments; some friends lent us some outfits, too. All the preparation was a lot of fun and made us feel excited to go!

During the climb, the beautiful sceneries and friends’ companionship made us forget about the exhaustion. Although the altitude sickness had made the walk difficult, concentration and perseverance helped everyone to conquer the peak in the end. At the top, I looked down the valley, and the bright sunlight shone on everyone. It was a sweet and bitter journey, and I had enjoyed it very much.

Ms. Jessica

Dear Little Friends,

I have nothing to say but to present a quote from one of my favorite scholars, “He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche.

I fell in love with the quote a long time ago, “You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.”

Conquer Yushan, you wild little ones, and come back with great spirits!

Love,

Ms. Summer