A photo of children of the Canadian School in Chengdu in the early 20th century. [Photo provided to China Daily]

United with stories, songs and cheers

In 1909 Canadians who were working in Chengdu established the Canadian School for their children's education. It closed in 1950.

Every year in mid-October, descendants of those who studied there, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends of the school, hold a reunion and lunch at the Dragon Legend Restaurant in Markham, a suburb of Toronto.

They open their gathering with introductions and brief presentations from guests. Following a traditional grace－Let Us with a Gladsome Mind sung to a Buddhist chant－many share their descendants' stories with memories and pictures.

The reunion closes with an old tradition－the singing of the Canadian School Song, followed by the school cheer, led by a group of singers and followed by cheers.