Lote stands for Languages Other Than English. At Sunnybank Primary, children in years 6 and 7 learn Mandarin Chinese for 1½ hours per week.

Students from this school, though from diverse cultural backgrounds, have embraced the learning of this foreign language with great enthusiasm and positivism. They learn not only to read and speak Mandarin Chinese but also to write in Chinese script. Many have excelled in writing the Chinese characters. The culture, values and ethos of China are taught along with the language. Students are learning ever more about the history, geography, festivals and songs of her people. Many cultural activities like lantern making, paper cutting and flower making are incorporated in the Chinese studies.

In recognition of the cultural diversity of the students in the school, an annual Multicultural Day is held around mid-May as part of Education Week. Students celebrate this day with a multicultural costume parade, examples of cuisines from different countries, songs and activities. Students work in small groups learning and performing activities from many different countries from all over the world. This is a day of celebration for everyone. It also reflects the way students embrace multiculturalism and recognise and acknowledge other ethnic groups and the many differences that make Australia a true ‘melting pot’ of cultures.

Mandarin, which originates from the North of China around the capital of Beijing, is the official internationally recognised language of China. China, which is presently Australia's second largest trade partner, is tipped to overtake Japan for trade within the next few years. Business education and tourism are major reasons why ¼ of a million Chinese people visit Australia every year. Also China will be on the international stage when Beijing hosts the 2008 Olympic Games. Therefore our future ties with China will be enriched by young people with some knowledge of Chinese language and culture.