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Sophomore Orientation: Mental Health Lecture & Team Building

September 5, 2025

On September 3, all Grade 10 students gathered at the Zhongxing Building and outdoor venues to participate in this semester’s CAS course activity—Sophomore Orientation. Centered around a mental health lecture and team-building challenges, the event aimed to help students better understand themselves, enhance communication and collaboration, and strengthen group cohesion through interactive experiences.


At the beginning of the event, students gathered in the drama classroom to attend a mental health-themed lecture. During the session, the teacher introduced several practical apps and shared insights on how to use time efficiently, maintain friendships, and protect themselves. Students were reminded to maintain psychological balance amid academic pressures, communicate effectively, and stay true to their boundaries and values. The atmosphere was both relaxed and enriching—many students nodded in agreement throughout, while others eagerly took notes, gathering valuable insights for the new school term.





After the lecture, students returned to their respective classrooms for small-group icebreaker activities. Quickly forming teams of four, they introduced themselves and played short interactive games to ease the initial awkwardness. Some classes erupted in laughter as students shared their hobbies, while others were surprised by unexpected talents and personalities—uncovering the “hidden gems” among them. In just a few minutes, the students grew more familiar with one another, laying the foundation for the upcoming multi-directional tug-of-war team challenge.





In this event, the multi-directional tug-of-war stood out as one of the most captivating group activities due to its direct competition of strength and the sense of class honor. Unlike traditional tug-of-war, this version required several teams to pull in different directions simultaneously, testing not only physical power but also strategy and teamwork. To add to the fun and challenge, students were also assigned tasks during the match—such as blowing up balloons, coloring teddy bears, arranging pens, and placing rubber ducks.


Many classes demonstrated remarkable cohesion during the competition. At the sound of the whistle, they moved in unison, chanting in sync. Even when repeatedly dragged to the center, they never gave up. Ultimately, some teams managed to turn the tide and win through seamless coordination and unwavering determination.






Afterward, each class spent 20 minutes actively discussing their entrance plan for the sports meet and choreographing their cheer leading routine. For example, in Class 10-6, students sat together and enthusiastically shared ideas—Some suggest starting with everyone dribbling and passing the ball to boost the atmosphere; others think they could provide uniform props or costumes; some recommend having the whole class perform a cheerleading dance and practice the routine during lunch breaks. In just 20 minutes, the classroom buzzed with laughter and creativity, resulting in a plan that reflected collective wisdom.


Whether it was the lively icebreaker games, the dramatic comeback in the tug-of-war, or the collaborative planning for the opening ceremony, each activity concluded with teachers emphasizing that “a class is a collective, and every student is part of its honor.” Winning or losing was never the ultimate goal—what truly mattered was the trust built and the growth shared throughout the process. May these brilliant moments become the warm force that unites every group.


(Written by10(6) Arianna, 10(6) Felicity, 10(11)Chaewon, 10(11)Emily     Pictures by Grade 10 Media Group and homeroom teachers    Supervised by Lijia Yu   Edited by Cody Turner    Reviewed by Qian Zuo)