June 9 marked a special day of celebration at SHSID Hongkou Campus, as students and teachers from all grade levels gathered for the End-of-Year Celebration Ceremonies. Together, they reflected on a wonderful year of learning and growth, celebrated students’ successful completion of the academic year, and looked ahead with confidence to the exciting journeys that await them.

Grade 1: Shining with Growth, Stepping into New Adventures

The Grade 1 Moving-up Ceremony began with the recognition of the Stars of the Month. As the final “Progress & Harvest Month” of the semester came to a close, students looked back on a term filled with meaningful growth, accomplishments, and treasured memories.

Reflecting on the past academic year, Grade 1 students have grown tremendously, developing not only academically but also in personal growth, extracurricular participation, hobbies and interests, and character development. Throughout the ceremony, student representatives from each class confidently took the stage to share their growth stories.

Louis from Class 1-2 spoke about his journey toward becoming an independent learner. He shared how he gradually developed skills in time management, task completion, and effective learning strategies, enabling him to take greater ownership of his learning.

Jasper from Class 1-1 reflected on his experiences participating in various school events, including the Art Festival, Sports Day, and Chinese Culture Week. Through these activities, he discovered new strengths within himself and transformed from a shy student into a more confident and courageous learner.

Chloe from Class 1-2 not only shared her personal growth but also presented the results of her ecological investigation project. Through hands-on exploration of the natural world, she deepened her understanding of nature while gaining valuable learning experiences.

Amber from Class 1-1 recounted her artistic journey during her first year of primary school. Through consistent practice and dedication, she gradually developed her artistic skills and confidence, allowing her to shine on stage while nurturing a lasting passion for the arts.

Following each presentation, Grade 1 teachers offered thoughtful feedback and encouragement, while also sharing their hopes and expectations for the students in the coming school year.

The ceremony then moved into one of its most memorable moments—the Promotion Ceremony. One by one, students stepped onto the stage and climbed the symbolic steps. Each step represented more than a transition to the next grade level; it embodied a year of hard work, cherished dreams, and boundless aspirations for the future.

Teachers then presented students with their completion certificates, recognizing their successful completion of Grade 1 and celebrating their readiness for the next stage of their educational journey. As the Promotion Ceremony concluded, the Grade 1Moving-up Ceremony gradually drew to a close, leaving students, teachers, and parents with a profound sense of pride, accomplishment, and excitement for the future.

Grade 2: Transform and Rise, Step by Step

The Grade 2 Moving up Ceremony was successfully held in the lecture hall. Teachers and students gathered to witness the children complete their Grade 2 studies and embark on the important milestone of moving up to Grade 3.

The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Samuel, whose opening address highlighted the significance of the event and officially kicked off the proceedings. Afterwards, a monthly review video was played, taking everyone on a trip down memory lane to revisit the moments of the past month.

Looking back on the past academic year, Grade 2 students have achieved remarkable growth in multiple areas, including self-management, activity participation, interest development, and character building, delivering an impressive growth report. Student representatives from each class confidently took to the stage to share their growth stories. Thomas from Class 2-2 shared his journey of building independence, talking about how he learned to balance study and leisure through time planning, completing assignments, and practicing self-management. Jacquelyn from Class 2-1 shared anecdotes from classroom interactions, school activities, and team collaborations, recounting her transformation in language expression and cooperation skills. Chloe from Class 2-1 not only shared her learning insights but also demonstrated her daily self-discipline, showing steady progress through consistent effort. Olivia from Class 2-2 spoke about her learning journey in dance, golf, and skiing since entering Grade 2, explaining how consistent practice has allowed her to shine in her passions and nurture the seeds of dreams in her heart. Grade 2 teachers also provided individual feedback on each speech and offered their best wishes for the upcoming semester.

During the interlude between presentations, the promotion ceremony was held in two rounds. Students walked onto the stage and up the steps in groups, symbolizing their entry into a new phase of learning. Homeroom teachers presented each student with their Grade 2 completion certificate, congratulating them on their successful promotion to Grade 3.

At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Samuel delivered a closing speech to encourage the students. The successful completion of Grade 2 stands as a precious testament to their growth, while the brand-new journey of Grade 3 awaits them to create wonderful moments with diligent efforts.

May you keep the joys and memories of today deep in your hearts. With enthusiasm and original aspirations, step into the new school year, embrace the studies ahead in Grade 3 bravely, push yourselves further through continuous exploration and reap extraordinary achievements along the way.

Grade 3: Set Sail at Ten, Chase Dreams Forward-Level Up to Double Digits!

Turning ten marks an important milestone in childhood, while moving up a grade stands for a brand-new start on the journey of learning. The Grade 3 promotion and group 10th birthday ceremony was warmly held. All teachers and students gathered together to witness growth and transformation.

The event kicked off with a recap video, looking back on wonderful moments of the past school year. Afterwards, outstanding Grade 3 students received monthly stars certificates in recognition of their diligence and progress. Three student representatives, Josephine, Asher and Kyrie, shared their learning experiences and aspirations for the future, winning warm responses from the audience.

In the much-anticipated promotion session, homeroom teachers presented certificates to students from Class 3-1 and 3-2. The students stepped over the “Grade 4 Step” one after another, officially advancing from Grade 3 to Grade 4. Teachers also delivered heartfelt messages to encourage every child.

The joyful occasion also celebrated their 10th birthday. Students put their wish cards into the time capsule to keep their beautiful hopes alive. Everyone sang the birthday song together, made wishes and shared cakes, filling the venue with laughter.

The whole ceremony was warm and solemn. Turning ten means independence, courage and responsibility, and moving to Grade 4 brings new challenges and opportunities. This immersive experience helped students truly understand the meaning of growth.

May all Grade 3 students cherish this precious memory! With best wishes from teachers and friends, they will embrace the new journey wholeheartedly, stay dedicated and shine brightly in the days ahead.

The moving‑up ceremony came to a warm and heartfelt close. Students from all grades stepped onto the stage to share their personal growth stories and showcase what they had learned, marking a successful transition to the next level. Teachers and students alike celebrated the rich achievements of the past school year and looked ahead with great anticipation to the new one.

（Written by Emma Sheng, Claire Jia, Rebecca Huang

Pictures by Elaine Zhu, Rachel Wu

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