On September 2nd, the fourth and fifth-grade students of the Puxi Campus at SHSID gathered in the newly completed Hsi Building for their opening ceremony. The bright and spacious hall, with its modern and diverse facilities, added a special sense of joy and anticipation to the event. Here, the students embarked on a new academic journey filled with hope.

The opening ceremony began with a meticulously prepared video, which led everyone through the exhilarating moments of last semester's activities. Every scene captured the students' growth and progress, and each story carried their laughter and hard work. These precious memories have injected boundless energy into the challenges of the new semester.

Following that, student representatives from various grades took the stage to share their learning experiences. Ivan from Class 4-5 shared his insights on time management, encouraging his peers to become lifelong learners and continuously strive for improvement. Jasper from Class 5-8 talked about his passion for science fiction, programming, and mathematics, expressing his gratitude for the school’s rich resources and courses that have provided him with opportunities for exploration and growth. This academic year, the Puxi campus also welcomed a new group of eager students. Sophia from Class 4-9 at the Lin’gang campus expressed her excitement about the new environment, new teachers, and new friends she is about to meet. She is eager to continue her journey of academic exploration and personal growth through the abundant resources and diverse courses offered at the new campus. We believe that the two classes from the Lin’gang campus will join everyone in writing even more exciting chapters together.

Ms. Lu, Director of SHSID Puxi Campus Grade 4-5, set higher expectations for the students at the start of the new semester. She hopes that everyone can draw strength from the Olympic spirit. When facing the various difficulties and challenges in life, students should, like Olympic athletes, maintain firm belief, fearlessly move forward, and achieve new successes in the new journey of learning.

Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, also shared his hopes for the new semester, anticipating that students will embark on a fresh journey of learning and life in the Hsi Building. The brand-new science classrooms will allow them to explore the mysteries of science in depth. The richly stocked library will help students immerse themselves in the vast world of books, while the modern sports field will serve as the ideal place for them to strengthen their bodies. Principal Liu also emphasized the importance of actively expanding their interests and encouraged every student to bravely explore their limitless potential.

During the summer vacation, the students of G4-5 ventured to the Arctic glaciers, the African savannah, and were fortunate to witness the grandeur of the Paris Olympics, observing the prowess of athletes from around the world. Through summer camps exploring knowledge, snorkeling to discover nature, and visiting museums to delve into history,  the students not only broadened their global perspectives but also found growth and joy through a variety of experiences. "The world is vast, go explore and experience it." This summer, through these international experiences, the students have been actively demonstrating their love for the world and their responsibility as global citizens through their efforts and actions.

Moreover, during this summer, eight families, including 17 students and parents from the fourth and fifth grades of the Puxi Campus at SHSID, participated in a charity trip to Hunan province. Several fifth-grade student representatives shared their experiences and insights. They emphasized that the significance of charity goes beyond the donation of material resources; it is about the transmission of spiritual strength. Through these activities, the students learned about understanding, responsibility, and how everyone can contribute to society in their own way.

Finally, amidst a burst of enthusiastic applause, we reached the most anticipated awards segment. Ms. Zhuo, Supervisor of Grade 4, Ms. Zhang, Vice Grade Supervisor of Grade 4, and Ms. Shi, Grade Supervisor of Grade 5, announced the list of award-winning students, including those who received the Outstanding Progress Award and the Exemplary Attitude Award. Vice Principal Ms. Liu Fang presented the Most Incredible Achievement-and Active Participation and Service Award to outstanding students, encouraging everyone to continue exploring the unknown and challenging themselves. Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School announced the list of students who received the All-Round Achievement Award and Scholastic Achievement Award, urging students to pursue excellence with even greater enthusiasm and steadfast conviction, becoming more independent learners and responsible global citizens.

As the opening ceremony comes to a successful close, the new semester is about to begin. We believe that at this new starting point in the Hsi Building, which integrates Eastern and Western cultural elements, everyone will continuously challenge and surpass themselves, make significant progress, and together create a vibrant and accomplished academic year.

(Written by Cathy Cao                 Pictures by Yuchen Xie              Edited by Cong Luo, Judah Kuhn)