On September 1st, teachers and students from Grades 1 through 4 at SHSID Hongkou Campus gathered in the lecture hall to begin the 2026–2027 school year. The opening ceremony was filled with energy and excitement, as students looked ahead to the new semester with enthusiasm.

The ceremony began with the Grade 1 students. Host Mr. D welcomed all new first-graders and invited them to officially start their journey as primary school students. A special video was then played on screen—during the holiday, children had filmed themselves getting ready for school: packing their bags, practicing writing, counting down the days with excitement. These moments were edited into a warm "prelude to growth," drawing laughter from the audience.

Ms. Zhu Dan, Director of Hongkou Campus, then took the stage. She warmly welcomed all new first graders to the Hongkou family and shared three key messages with the children. She encouraged them to say out loud: "I belong here," "I am ready," and "I will grow here." She led all new students in placing their hands over their hearts and making these three promises together.

During the teacher introduction session, Mr. D introduced each teacher who would be guiding the students in the year ahead. Each teacher stepped forward and offered a brief, encouraging message to light the way for the children.

Evelyn from Class 4-2 spoke as the student representative. She shared her own journey from crying nervously in first grade to becoming a confident student. She told the younger students that primary school is like a new book, with every page waiting to be filled with joy, friendship, and adventure. She also introduced the school's many activities and encouraged everyone to make friends bravely and ask questions boldly.

The most symbolic moment followed—Ms. Zhu Dan presented a giant golden key to all first-grade students, representing the key to knowledge, friendship, and growth. Student representatives from each class came up to receive miniature golden keys, marking the significance of the occasion.

In the second half of the ceremony, the four first-grade homeroom teachers walked on stage holding four golden balloon letters representing "H," "E," "R," and "O." In a lively and engaging way, they introduced the core HERO values—Honesty, Etiquette, Respect, and Organization. Holding the balloons, they led the children in a chant, and all the first grade students raised their right hands, pledging to be ready to become HERO students.

Then came the exciting moment when Ms. Zhu Dan revealed the welcome gift bags for the new students. Groups of children came on stage to receive them, holding their gift bags and posing for photos—capturing their official "first frame" of school life.

After that, all first-grade students stood up, placed their right hands over their hearts, extended their left hands forward, and shouted their grade-level slogan together, marking the first step of their new journey. Finally, led by Mr. Dan, the audience joined in an energizing cheer: "SHSID Hongkou—Our Journey Begins!" The ceremony ended with enthusiastic applause. Each class also took photos with the beloved panda mascot, adding a warm and bright finish to this special day.

From today on, these new first-graders will begin their wonderful journey at SHSID Hongkou Campus with courage, curiosity, and kindness. Go, first-grade HERO students!

Following that, the opening ceremony for Grades 2 to 4 was hosted by Mr. Samuel.

Opening with three core questions, Mr. Samuel began the ceremony, and the school year, with intent to grow and flourish. "What are you curious to discover?", "How will you show kindness?", "What difference will you make?" These three questions corresponded to the ceremony's theme: "Curious Minds, Kind Hearts, Global Impact." Curiosity drives exploration and learning; kindness is shown through daily care and action; and every small action can create a positive impact. Mr. Samuel guided students to carry these three questions into the new school year and gradually find their own answers in the months ahead.

To reflect on those questions and inspire for the year ahead, a review video of the previous school year's activities played on screen, highlighting the many events and memorable moments that brought back shared memories for everyone in attendance.

After the video, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, took the stage to deliver a speech. She shared the school's experience of participating in the organization of the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) this past summer. Facing over a thousand participants from more than 100 countries and regions, teachers from different campuses worked together to overcome various challenges. She encouraged students to learn to cooperate, take responsibility, and never give up in the new school year.

The host then reminded students that life in their new grade didn't actually start on this day. In fact, they had been preparing all summer. This was shown through video highlights of students' summer achievements by grade level: second graders shared new skills they had learned, third graders broadened their horizons as little explorers, and fourth graders acted as young scientists through hands-on experiments. The message was clear: learning never stops during the holidays, and opportunities for discovery are everywhere.

Student representatives then took turns sharing their reflections. Vivian from Class 2-1 recalled her nervousness and shyness when she first entered first grade, and described how she gradually adjusted, made friends, and gained confidence in class. She expressed gratitude to her peers and teachers for their support, which helped her grow day by day. Kai from Class 3-2 spoke on the theme of "growing together," sharing experiences from Reading Month, the GEO Fair, and the Charity Fair. He noted that collaborative efforts not only brought knowledge but also deepened mutual understanding and trust. As an upper-grade student, Max from Class 4-1 looked back on his goals from the previous year in reading, public speaking, and teamwork, shared his reflections after setbacks, and encouraged his fellow students to dream big, support one another, and not be afraid of failure.

The teachers also shared their messages, helping to bring the ceremony to its emotional peak. "Be curious," "Be kind," "Keep trying," "Believe in yourself"—each sincere word landed warmly on every child's heart. Finally, all teachers made a collective promise to stand alongside their students and accompany them on their learning and growth journey. The pledge drew a round of warm applause from the audience.

During the ceremony, the school recognized students who had excelled in various areas over the previous school year. Awards such as "Super HERO," "Most Incredible Achievement," and "Most Independent Learner" were presented one by one. Winning students came on stage in groups to receive their awards, with rounds of applause acknowledging each student's effort and perseverance, as well as inspiring others to strive to achieve in the coming school year.

After the awards, Ms. Zhu Dan, Director of Hongkou Campus, presented students with customized Journey Starter Kits. The panda bag charm symbolized a supportive school community, reminding students to care for their peers, while the study planner encouraged students to plan ahead and take charge of their own learning. Ms. Zhu Dan offered three values and actions: Curious Minds — Discover. Kind Hearts — Connect. Global Impact — Make a Difference.

Led by the host, all students made their new semester pledge together. As each class took turns posing for group photos, bright smiles filled the frame, bringing the opening ceremony to a joyful close.

A new school year has begun. May all students at Hongkou Campus, from Grade 1 to Grade 4, carry their curiosity, hold onto kindness, and start with small actions as they explore, connect, and create their own unique stories of growth.