On the morning of March 2, 2026, all faculty and students of SHSID Middle School gathered in the auditorium to welcome the new semester with high spirits.

At 9:50 a.m., after everyone took their seats, Mr. Seevers delivered a brief overview of campus conduct guidelines, clarifying behavioral standards for the ceremony. Subsequently, Mr. Guo Lei, Deputy Supervisor of Grade 6, extended greetings to all attendees and introduced the school leaders present, officially commencing the ceremony. Four student representatives from different grades took the stage in succession to share their growth and reflections from the previous semester.

Josie from 6-5, representing the sixth graders, kicked off the speeches by sharing insights on "Time Management and Efficiency." She emphasized that efficiency matters more than sheer hours spent, and focused effort trumps blind dedication. Maximizing time on campus and promptly addressing issues, she argued, are key to boosting efficiency. She encouraged classmates to break down large tasks into manageable steps, utilize fragmented time effectively, and prioritize to balance academics and extracurriculars more smoothly.

Ivan from 7-4's presentation focused on managing setbacks and pressure. Drawing from his experiences in math studies and chess competitions, he encouraged peers to maintain patience when facing challenges, persist in trying, and proactively seek assistance. He advised against excessive self-criticism, suggesting instead learning to adjust one's pace when needed, as the journey of growth matters more than the final outcome. He hoped classmates would embrace every challenge in the new semester with a growth mindset.

Shuohan from 8-3 shared his journey of growth as a new student integrating into SHSID. From initial nervousness upon arrival to taking the stage in speech competitions and arts festivals, and then distinguishing himself in the 8th-grade service learning project, he gradually stepped out of his comfort zone. This journey brought him confidence and friendships, making his strides forward more determined and powerful. He encouraged all new students to bravely try new things and actively participate, because "the moments that make us most nervous often become the most beautiful memories."

Golden from 8-12 used the metaphor of a "climber," drawing parallels between the Chinese team's triumphs at the Milan Winter Olympics and his own experiences defeating professional athletes as a cross-country skiing athlete. He extended the "climbing spirit" of cross-country skiing to academics, urging students to confront learning challenges head-on and strive toward their goals, for the view from the summit is worth every effort.

Next, Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal and Director of Grades 6-8 of SHSID Middle and Primary School, delivered the new semester address. He began by commending students' outstanding achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, and service-learning projects during the previous term. Through interactive Q&A, he praised their moral growth, emphasizing the cultivation of sound behavioral habits, the pursuit of self-transcendence, and the dedication to excellence in every detail.

Looking ahead to the new semester, Mr. Shen encouraged all students to maintain an attitude of respect and self-discipline, stay true to their original aspirations, and integrate knowledge with action. He urged them to uphold internal standards, exercise restraint in words and deeds, and become compassionate, responsible young people of their generation.

Then, Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, delivered his new semester speech. In light of the rapid development of the artificial intelligence era, he engaged students in a thought-provoking discussion on what future-oriented learning should look like. He pointed out that in today's world of accelerating technological advancement, the importance of science and technology subjects has become increasingly prominent— they help us understand the essence of things, grasp how the world works, and build a solid foundation for future competencies. He also emphasized the irreplaceable value of the humanities. The critical thinking and empathy cultivated through history, philosophy, language, and the arts, he noted, are qualities that machines cannot replicate. Mr. Liu encouraged students to make full use of the school's rich curriculum and activities, to explore persistently and dare to try new things both inside and outside the classroom— gaining experience through practice and finding their direction through exploration. He concluded by wishing all students a fruitful semester ahead and immediate success in their endeavors.

Following the opening remarks, the ceremony proceeded to the awards presentation. Principal Liu Lian presented certificates to ten outstanding star classes from grades six, seven, and eight that demonstrated exceptional performance last semester. Next, the "Conduct Role Model" and "Active Participant" awards were announced. Awards were presented by the three group leaders of the foreign teachers: Mr. Klimmek, Mr. Wendell, and Mr. Laverrier, alongside supervisors of G6-8: Ms. Cheng Liyan (Grade 6), Ms. Wu Wenyi (Grade 7), and Ms. Shen Ying (Grade 8). Finally, Principal Liu Lian, Vice Principal Shen Tianyuan, and Assistant Principal of English Curriculum Mr. Key presented awards to students honored as "Outstanding Leadership" and "Dedicated Independent Learner." The "Community Service Contributor," "Remarkable Improvement," "Impressive Versatility," and "Exemplary Sports Spirit" awards were showcased through animated presentations, fully highlighting the diverse talents of our students.

The opening ceremony concluded successfully at 11:00 a.m. sharp. All faculty and students returned to their classrooms in an orderly manner, carrying hopeful aspirations and clear objectives as they commenced the new semester's curriculum. May every student gather strength in the ordinary days, draw closer to their dreams through persistent endeavors, and achieve success through steadfast dedication.

(Written by Ma Xinyu

Pictures by Xu Jing

Reviewed by Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)