As autumn’s cool breeze begins to blow through SHSID campuses, students have made their long-awaited return to school life to start a brand-new chapter in their learning journey. On September 1, 2021, middle and primary school opening ceremonies were held across our multiple campuses. Students have new expectations for the new school year, looking forward to seeing themselves becoming better, more confident and more independent.

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Given the requirements for the pandemic prevention and control, each grade held their own unique and joyous opening ceremony on the morning of September 1st. The curious faces of the first graders were a bit shy, but their eyes were full of wonder for a new campus and new semester. The students in the second and third grades looked like elder brothers and sisters next to them: calm and generous.

These opening ceremonies kicked off in the grand auditorium of the primary section building. The ceremonies began with six students, Michael, Irina, Chloe, Sophia, Elias, and Daniel, who each took the stage during their respective opening ceremonies. They shared their experiences and reflections of their learning at SHSID. Afterwards, each grade of students watched the “Big Events Video,” made by our talented teachers. They looked back on the unforgettable school life of the last semester. Also, the pictures and videos showed every single moment of their growth.

Mr. Liu Lian, the middle and primary school principal, and Ms. Liu Fang, the middle and primary school vice principal, joined to welcome our students back to school as each expressed their messages of hope for the new term. Mr. Liu hoped that the third-grade students will become role models for the first and second graders, enjoy school life safely and become better learners. Ms. Liu encouraged the children to become their own “little heroes,” to not be afraid of failure, and bravely face every challenge.

The opening ceremonies continued with the presentations of the Excellent Class Awards to the Honor Class achievements, as well as the 12 Star Awards to honor the student accomplishments of last year. Waves of cheering and applause rose throughout the auditorium, as radiant smiles shone with the hope for both bettering themselves and working toward a better future. The ceremony came to an end with the four expectations of Ms. Zhang Yi, the director of grades 1-3; being safe, being strong, always smiling, and becoming an independent learner has become a new goal.

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In the afternoon of September 1st, students of SHSID Puxi campus grades 4-5 celebrated a warm and meaningful opening ceremony at the auditorium. This semester, grade four and five students start their studies in a brand new building—Zhongxing Building, and they are all looking forward to the new school life!

Once seated, students gazed at the screen with pictures and videos of the wonderful school activities of the last year. With the live background music, students and teachers experienced the happiness of the past again.

In the warm atmosphere, student representatives Jasmine from class 4(4) and Elaine from class 5(2) shared their learning and inspirations at SHSID. Jasmine shared how she overcame the difficulties in her studies and how she made progress. She also appreciated that teachers provided unique encouragement to each individual. Elaine, as a soon-to-be primary school graduate, believes that the fifth-grade students need to set higher goals and form four main habits, including the habit to study hard, be curious, have the courage to try new things, and help others.

After that, Ms. Chris, the director of grades 4-5, invited the students and teachers to welcome our 15 new students with great applause. Ms. Chris also shared her thoughts after watching the Tokyo Olympic Games, which encouraged students to keep positive attitudes, be a part of the community, celebrate failure, and develop grit. Students will definitely have a more solid future with these qualities.

Mr. Patrick, the liaison teacher of grades 4-5, gave his speech about the importance of effort and motivation. Both are soft skills that students have developed and will continue to develop throughout their formative education. Mr. Patrick explained that there are things that will be outside of their control throughout their life, but they can always control the effort they put forward and the motivation they have.

Students also shared about their great summer and their expectations for the new semester in a video. Let’s take a look!

Principal Liu mentioned Mr. Su Bingtian who broke the men’s 100m Asian record in the Olympic Games.He used this case to tell students that do not be afraid of the doubts of others and believe in yourself. People with a growth mindset believe that you just need to maximize your strengths and take advantage of your weaknesses. People are sure to be successful and achieve their potential through hard work and good strategies.

At last, the teachers awarded the excellent star champions, semester stars, and other awards to praise students’ progress and hard work in academic learning, character, morals, arts, and sports. Let’s give them a round of applause!

Pudong Campus

All the teachers and students assembled in the auditorium of Pudong campus at 8:50 a.m. to attend the opening ceremony of the new school year.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Ms. Miao Xiaoling, the middle and primary school

principal’s assistant, expressed her expectations to all the students and teachers of Pudong campus. Mr. Wu Xiaodong, the director of Pudong campus, extended sweet greetings to all students and teachers. He received a warm response from all the students.

A representative from each grade gave speeches to everyone in attendance. Jennifer, from grade two, expressed her love and joy for SHSID. Then Tommy, from grade three, shared his experience of how to show persistence to overcome challenges. Then, the speaker from grade 4, Leyla, shared her thoughts and feelings about how to keep the balance between hobbies and studies. Last but not least, Sunny, representative from grade 5, talked about how to be a great independent learner. All the talented representatives did a great job and impressed everyone!

The special lucky draw game followed. On Monday, the students wrote down their aspirations for this year and put them into the draw box. Those who got selected were invited to the stage and shared their aspirations. After the lucky draw came the climax of the ceremony—the awards ceremony. Students stepped onto the stage and won not only prizes but also the respect of everyone in the auditorium.

In the brand-new semester, what kind of surprises will be presented by the incredible students? Let’s wait and see!

Lingang Campus

The Lingang campus of SHSID is looking beautiful on this September morning as it officially made its public debut and welcomed the first batch of students. At 10:30 a.m., all new pupils gathered together in the school auditorium merrily, which marked the beginning of their primary school life. The opening ceremony kicked off with a joyous Q&A session, and then Mr. Xu Yuecan, the principal of East Shanghai High School, and Ms. Fu Bing, the director of SHSID Lingang campus, welcomed all students joining the SHSID family and cheerfully expressed their messages of hope for the new term. The teachers expect every student to start off their primary education journey with happiness and positivity, to dream big, to stay kind, to work hard, and to strive to be a winner every day at SHSID.

We believe with the joint efforts from students and teachers, it is going to be a GRAND school year at Lingang campus!

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At 10:00 a.m., the opening ceremony of grades 6-8 was grandly held in the auditorium. Mr. Shen Tianyuan, the director of grades 6-8, gave a speech where he encouraged students to constantly cultivate their own moral character in their daily studies and in life and to become a person who combines knowledge with practice, who is cautious, independent and sincere. Students should integrate being independent learners and responsible world citizens into their goal setting and daily practice. Director Shen encouraged the students’ growth and achievements in all aspects, and especially affirmed the students’ active participation in various charity and public welfare projects during the holidays, which is a charity with the world in mind and great love. Director Shen’s speech greatly inspired the students.

Next, the sixth-grade student representatives spoke. Victoria of grade 6, first reviewed her growth and outcomes through the wonderful activities she had participated in over the past year. Then she talked about her expectations for the upcoming new year in Grade 6. She encouraged students to be more independent and self-disciplined, so as to better adapt to the changes of entering junior high school.

The students in grades 7 and 8 who actively participated in school activities and public welfare over the past year were invited to come to the stage to receive the social activity award. We hope more students will have the courage to try all kinds of extracurricular activities, constantly improve themselves, and give warmth and help to the people around them.

In July of this year, Henan suffered the worst rainfall in history. Our SHSID students and parents didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. As of July 31, the total donation of SHSID middle school had reached more than 100,000 RMB in only five days. Through Mr. Shen’s brief introduction to the summer donation for Henan, students were moved by each other’s selflessness and love and understood the necessary qualities of a responsible global citizen.

Up next, Jenny, a student representative of grade 8, talked about her experience of participating in charity activities in poverty-stricken areas of Henan Province under the organization of school teachers and parents when she was in Grade 5. There, she felt the strong contrast between rural and urban learning resources and the environment. She not only cherished the people and things around her better, but also felt the significance of participating in charity and helping others.

Following Jenny’s wonderful speech, the student representatives who participated in the disaster relief donation came to the stage to receive the charity certificate.

Then, Hans, a student representative of grade 7, shared his journey since he came to SHSID in the past year. He talked about the tension and excitement in the beginning and his efforts to adapt and integrate as soon as possible. He gave some suggestions: first, it is very important to record notes and homework information on time; secondly, he talked about the importance of setting goals.

After the wonderful speeches made by the student representative of Grade 7, the students who won good studies awards came to the stage to receive the certificate.

Following the presenting of the good studies awards, Principal Liu, delivered an inspirational speech for the new semester. Principal Liu started with the spirit of athletes in the Olympic Games and encouraged students to have a growth mindset. Through correct strategies, hard work, actively listening to others’ opinions, and believing in themselves, everyone can develop their strengths and potential to achieve their goals.

Then, the students who earned the excellent studies award came to the stage to receive their certificates. These students have made outstanding academic achievements in the past year through serious learning attitudes and reasonable learning methods, which is worth learning. To conclude the ceremonies, the students who earned the sports awards, the good behavior awards, and the rapid progress awards were also praised and rewarded.

A new school year is another new journey brought with unknowns, challenges, and gains. We hope that our students and teachers will pursue their passions, and most importantly, enjoy life and the great pleasures that come with it.

(Written by Thea, Chelsea, Amelia, Wu Yin, Li Haoruo, Jenny Zhang, Gu Yuting Pictures by Ginger, Li Siying, Chen Surong, Gina Edited by Huang Shiyuan, Brie Polette)