All the teachers and students from Grades 1 to 3 at Hongkou Campus leapt, bounded, and galloped into the new semester and new year with an Opening Ceremony themed "Wisdom & Growth: Galloping into the Year of the Horse" on the morning of March 2nd.

The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by the ever-enthusiastic and lively Mr. Samuel, hosting and welcoming everyone to the morning's proceedings. He warmly welcomed all teachers and students back to school, giving a special welcome to the two new students joining Hongkou Campus this semester. Using the spirited and determined nature of the Horse Year as an inspiration, he encouraged students to be full of vitality and strive for excellence in the new semester. The atmosphere quickly warmed up with his heartfelt greetings.

Following this, a meticulously crafted semester review video was played on the big screen. Highlights from last semester—Sports Week, Author's Week, Math Week, Career Week, Spelling Bee, Art Festival, and more—flashed before everyone's eyes. The children's laughter, their dedicated efforts, and scenes of collaboration evoked wonderful memories for all teachers and students, while also building anticipation for growth in the new semester.

During the "Galloping Forward" sharing session, three student representatives took to the stage one by one to share their personal growth stories. Lisa from Class 1-2 spoke first, sharing the excitement and discovery of her first steps in SHSID Hongkou. Using her experience participating in the marble party as an example, she described the joy of winning through the collective efforts of the whole class. Her sincere, youthful words were full of anticipation for the new semester. Jacquelyn from Class 2-1 shared insights on study habits and teamwork, explaining how persisting with the good habit of finishing homework before playing helped improve her grades. She also recounted how she partnered with a classmate to successfully sell out their handmade products at the Mini Market, demonstrating the immense power of teamwork. William from Class 3-2 spoke on the topic of "Responsibility and Leadership for the Future." He shared how he learned a lesson from a math quiz, began checking his homework independently, and started making study plans. He also described his experience as Energy Monitor, leading by example to encourage classmates to save energy, profoundly illustrating the responsibility and leadership qualities of a third-grade student.

Next, the big screen played the students' "My Winter Sparkle" special feature. In "The Little Chef" Moment, students showed how they learned to prepare simple dishes or diligently tidied the dining table, experiencing independence and a sense of accomplishment through labor. In "Kindness in Action," some students wrote thank-you letters to family members, while others carefully cared for injured sparrows, spreading goodwill and warmth through their actions. The "Winter Sports Star" segment was exceptionally vibrant—table tennis, basketball, hiking, skiing, gymnastics, street dance… students challenged themselves through sports, sweated it out, and showcased vibrant energy and perseverance. The "Year of the Horse Celebration" was filled with festive atmosphere, as students crafted lanterns and other holiday decorations and learned New Year's greetings, welcoming the arrival of the Year of the Horse with full ceremonial spirit. Every clip sparkled with the children's unique winter sparkle, documenting their exploration, persistence, and growth during the holidays, while injecting boundless energy and anticipation into the new semester.

The exciting awards session followed. Awards including "Most Remarkable Integrity," "Most Independent Learner," "Most Incredible Achievement," and "Super HERO(ES)" were announced one after another. The winning students stepped onto the stage to receive their certificates, their efforts and achievements met with warm applause from the entire audience.

Ms. Zhu Dan, Director of SHSID Hongkou Campus, took the stage to deliver New Year's wishes for all the students at the campus. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of the Horse Year, she encouraged all students to bravely forge ahead like a steed, undaunted by the road ahead. She reviewed everyone's growth over the previous semester: first graders becoming more independent and organized, second graders demonstrating responsibility and teamwork, and third graders acting as role models for younger students through their leadership. She then introduced each student to a special new semester gift—a Horse Charm—symbolizing the courage to charge forward when facing difficulties, resilience when encountering challenges, and steadfastness when pursuing goals. She put forward three expectations for the new semester: Grow in Wisdom (harnessing the power of "yet"), Grow in Character (honesty, respect, and kindness), and Grow in Courage (daring to try and challenge oneself). Finally, she called upon all teachers and students to gallop into this new semester with wisdom and growth, joining hands to move towards a new term filled with knowledge and development.

Afterwards, a video featuring carefully recorded New Year blessings from parents and teachers was played on the big screen. The warm messages and sincere wishes conveyed abundant love and encouragement to the children.

The 2025 Second Semester Opening Ceremony drew to a warm and joyful close. In the new semester, all teachers and students from Grades 1 to 3 at Hongkou Campus are ready and raring to go. Guided by the spirited, galloping essence of the Horse Year, they will join hands and forge ahead, together writing their own brilliant chapter.

(Written by Nina Kang

Pictures by Elaine Zhu, Rachel Wu

Reviewed by Ms. Zhu Dan, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)