On the morning of March 2nd, G4-5 teachers and students of SHSID Puxi Campus returned to the beautiful campus full of confidence. As they entered the teaching building, the students were delighted to see a special guest—a robot wearing a red hood and a black T-shirt—enthusiastically welcoming everyone in the lobby. When the "artificial intelligence" discussed in class materialized as a mechanical arm capable of waving, applauding, and even blowing kisses, and when abstract "algorithms" manifested as smooth autonomous obstacle avoidance and precise interactive responses, the students truly felt the rapid advancements in technology and touched the pulse of a future that has already arrived. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and eagerness as they actively interacted with the robot. With the upcoming primary and middle school science and technology festival set to begin this semester, the students' passion for exploration was instantly ignited. Every young observer and eager participant is not just an experiencer of technological life but also a builder of the future world. When today's "wonder" transforms into tomorrow's "creation," this early spring morning encounter becomes the most vivid prologue to the new semester's journey of scientific exploration.

In the afternoon, all teachers and students of the fourth and fifth grades gathered in the Hsi Building Auditorium to hold the opening ceremony for the second semester of the 2025 academic year.

As the new semester begins, a highlight video of the opening ceremony took students back to the wonderful campus life of the previous semester. As the images unfolded, moments of unity and perseverance on the sports field, confident displays on stage, and exploratory in the lab reappeared before their eyes. With familiar scenes slowly unfolding, expectations for the new semester quietly grew in the students' hearts. During the sharing session, Amy from 4-10 and Levin from 5-5 took the stage as student representatives to speak. They reviewed their learning journeys and growth challenges over the past semester, openly discussing their insights and experiences, such as how to scientifically allocate after-school time for more efficient homework completion, and how to maintain focus in and out of the classroom to enhance the quality of learning. These experiences also inspired the other students, giving them clearer ideas and greater confidence for their upcoming studies.

Ms. Lu reflected on the "robot greeter" at the building lobby, the stunning robot performance at the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, and students' own AI explorations last semester. She encouraged students to use AI wisely while never losing their ability to think independently. She also emphasized the importance of upholding good character and responsibility, thinking carefully before acting. The new semester calls on every student to embrace curiosity, practice self-discipline, and remember that kindness, courage, and responsibility are what truly make them excellent.

Entering the much-anticipated awards segment, Ms. Zhang, Vice Grade Supervisor of Grade 4, along with the foreign teacher leaders of the two grades, Ms. Mansell and Mr. Land, announced the list of "Student Stars" for the first semester of the 2025 academic year. The awards recognized students who have shone brightly in their respective areas, honoring them for their moral character, independent learning, interests and talents, as well as personal growth and progress. Role models are right beside us, inspiring everyone to learn from their example and move forward steadily on the path to excellence.

As verses from the ancient poem said: "Upon my steed, forth to the world I ride; Follow me, and I'll show you where the path does hide." These lines from millennia ago carry an unyielding pursuit of ideals. Today, a thousand years later, as the Year of the Horse arrives, students embraced the theme "Encounter with the Steed," using their cameras to document their winter break experiences. Some students wandered through the lines of classical poetry, seeking the heroic warhorses depicted by ancient poets. Others visited zodiac exhibitions and museums, exploring the stories of horses within cultural relics and history. Some keenly observed during their travels, witnessing Chinese culture galloping onto the world stage at the "China House" themed exhibition during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Still others expressed their imagination and reverence for fine steeds through musical performances. The steed gallops, leaping across the land; its unstoppable momentum signals that a new journey has begun. Each frame is not only a snapshot of winter break life but also carries the students' beautiful hopes for the new year.

Following that, Vice Principal Ms. Liu Fang and Director of SHSID Puxi Campus Grade 4-5 Ms.Lu presented awards to outstanding students who earned the title of "Star of the Semester."Ms. Liu extended her New Year’s wishes and Drawing on the example of Olympic athletes,Ms. Liu shared how their relentless daily training and exceptional performance on the ice rink serve as a powerful reminder: much like in a competition, success in learning requires thorough preparation to confidently embrace new challenges. She encouraged students to remain focused on their studies in the new semester, while also emphasizing the importance of reading widely to broaden their horizons and enrich their minds through books. In the face of uncertainty and difficulty, Ms. Liu urged everyone to stay curious, explore fearlessly, and persevere—drawing strength for growth from every setback. Her warm yet inspiring words instilled confidence and motivation in the students as they embarked on the new semester.

Ms. Shi, Grade Supervisor of Grade 4, and Ms. Zhuo, Grade Supervisor of Grade 5,announced the winners of the previous semester's class excellence awards and presented the honors. The selections covered various aspects such as fostering a positive learning atmosphere, cultivating team spirit, and creating a conducive learning environment. Behind each award lies the cumulative efforts of both teachers and students working together, serving as a vivid reflection of each class's cohesion.

Bidding farewell to the old year and embarking on a new journey, the dedicated homeroom teachers also extended their New Year's wishes to the students. Amid a cascade of blessings, the opening ceremony for Grades 4 and 5 came to a close, yet the new semester's chapter for the students is just beginning to unfold. May every student continuously surpass themselves on this new learning journey, reach greater heights in their studies, and reap the rewards of their own remarkable growth.

(Written by Yutong Zhu

Pictures by Minxuan Cao

Supervised by Directors, Chenli Shen, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)