Students, families, educators, and community partners came together at Notre Dame High School this spring to celebrate the 7th Annual Chinese Character Dictation Competition: Thousand Character Challenge, a growing tradition that highlights language learning, cultural connection, and student achievement across Ottawa.
Earlier in the season, students gathered at St. Joseph Catholic High School to participate in the competition through Tian Tian Chinese School, OCSB’s International Languages Program for Mandarin language learning, showcasing their Mandarin language skills through Chinese character dictation as part of this unique annual initiative.
Led by the Ottawa Chinese Alumni Association and co-organized by the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Continuing and Community Education Department, the Thousand Character Challenge continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to strengthen language skills while building confidence, perseverance, and community connections.
A Growing Tradition of Excellence
For seven years, OCSB has proudly partnered with the Ottawa Chinese Alumni Association as the primary school board partner for the Thousand Character Challenge. Each year, a different Mandarin International and Indigenous Languages Elementary Program site hosts the competition, with staff volunteering their time to proctor and mark the assessments.
The challenge encourages students to develop strong Mandarin literacy skills through Chinese character dictation. Organizers note that mastery of approximately 1,000 Chinese characters is considered an important benchmark for literacy and fluency in Simplified Mandarin.
Participation Reaches New Heights
This year marked significant growth for the competition, with registration increasing from 130 students to 168 participants. In total, 117 students completed the competition, representing five Chinese language schools, independent learners, and community-based participants from across Ottawa.
The contest also welcomed its first non-Chinese participants. Several students achieved outstanding results, including scores above 90%, reflecting the growing interest in Chinese language learning among students from diverse backgrounds.
The increasing participation highlights the contest’s growing reputation as an engaging and meaningful opportunity for students to challenge themselves and celebrate their learning.
Recognition from National, Provincial, and Municipal Leaders
The impact of the Thousand Character Challenge was recognized well beyond the event itself.
This year’s competition received congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Doug Ford, and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, highlighting the important role language education plays in fostering multiculturalism, cultural understanding, and student success.
In his message, Mayor Sutcliffe specifically acknowledged the contributions of OCSB teachers and educators who support heritage language learning and strengthen Ottawa’s diverse communities.
This recognition reflects the growing significance of the Thousand Character Challenge and its continued positive impact on students, families, and the broader Ottawa community.
Community Support Drives Success
The success of the Thousand Character Challenge is made possible through the collective efforts of families, educators, volunteers, and community partners. This year’s event was supported by 54 teachers and volunteers on competition day alone, as well as numerous community members who helped promote the event through outreach activities and social media engagement.
The OCSB International Languages Program also played an important role in student preparation. Mock dictation exams and promotional activities helped build confidence, encourage participation, and support student success.
We extend our sincere thanks to Li Sun and Becky Qiang – St. Joseph High School Saturday Site Administrator and Assistant Site Administrator, as well as the parent-led organizing committee, the many teachers and volunteers who generously donated their time, and the Continuing and Community Education team members who supported event logistics.
Looking Ahead
As participation continues to grow, so does the opportunity to expand the reach and impact of the Thousand Character Challenge.
OCSB Continuing and Community Education is proud to continue this partnership with the Ottawa Chinese Alumni Association and looks forward to supporting future competitions that inspire students, celebrate multilingualism, and strengthen community connections.
Congratulations to all participants and award recipients on another successful year!
Learn more about our International Languages Programs offered by OCSB Continuing & Community Education
