As the end of summer quietly approaches, the back-to-school season arrives. The autumn wind breezed incessantly, marking the start of a new school year of SHSID Middle and Primary School.

Puxi Campus G1-3

On September 1st, the students from G1 to G3 at SHSID Puxi returned to the school with great anticipation. They were all ready to embark on a fresh learning journey. With excited hearts, they participated in a lively and meaningful opening ceremony in the auditorium of the primary section.

With joyful music playing, the students entered the auditorium one by one to attend the opening ceremony. Eager anticipation for the new semester was shown on their lovely faces. Ms. Zhang Yi, the director of SHSID Puxi G1-3, hosted and announced the official start of the opening ceremony. Following that, representatives from Grade 3, Haruki and Fiona Cheng, and representatives from Grade 2, Stanley and Fiona Fan, took the stage one by one to deliver speeches. They shared their unforgettable experiences and stories of growth from the past semester with everyone in confidence and displays of graceful manners. Then, all the teachers and students watched a video showcasing the major events of the past semester together. Everyone couldn’t stop reminiscing about the important moments and enriching activities. Watching the beautiful memories, both teachers and students felt as if they were reliving those vibrant activities and deeply experiencing the joy of personal growth.

Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School and director Zhang Yi delivered a message to the students respectively. Principal Liu hoped that students could not only continuously improve themselves through reading, but also help each other and set an example for each other. Director Zhang Yi encouraged the students to become independent and self-directed learners, as well as 'little heroes'.

Lastly, the award ceremony for the 'Excellent Class' and the 'Twelve Stars' brought the ceremony to its peak. All the students applauded warmly. This enthusiastic applause showed their appreciation for the efforts and growth of the past semester, as well as expressed anticipation and excitement for the new academic year. The opening ceremony ended in a joyful atmosphere.

Puxi Campus G4-5

Clouds gather the colors of summer, and leaves rustle the sound of autumn. On September 1st, the students of the fourth and fifth grades at Shanghai High School International Division held the opening ceremony for the 2023 school year in the grand auditorium, marking the beginning of a new journey.

Returning to the campus, the students was excited to gather in the auditorium. First, through a video, the students reviewed a series of remarkable activities they had participated in during the last semester.

Following that, student representatives from Grade 4 and 5 went to the stage to share their learning experiences and expectations for the new semester. Adrian from Class 4-4, Lavinia from Class 4-2, and Ivan from Class 5-7 expressed their achievements and growth from the last semester and looked forward to the upcoming learning journey with confidence.

Next, the awarding session is what the students were most looking forward. Both Chinese and foreign teachers announced such as the "Semester Star" and "Star of Independent Learning" for outstanding students. Vice Principal Liu Fang presented awards to the students who received "Semester Star." This thrilling moment showcased the school's strong support for exceptional students and highlighted each student's determination to pursue their dreams.

Subsequently, the students enjoyed glimpses of the Grade 4 students' summer vacation. Grade 5 students also created a video to show "The Beauty of Shanghai in My Eyes." Yoyo from Class 5-8 also shared her unique experience of using bridges to connect with Shanghai's cultural diversity.

The school leaders also delivered speeches and messages to the students for the new academic year, encouraging them to overcome challenges and pursue their aspirations. Ms. Lu, the director of Grades 4-5 at SHSID Puxi campus, summarized the achievements of the past year and shared her wishes for the new academic year. Building upon the core values of "GROW" and "GRADUATE," she set high expectations for the students, hoping they would continue to flourish in the new semester.

Mr. Liu shared his understanding of learning with the students according to his own experience, hoping that the students would make a breakthrough in learning, keep practicing, explore their full potential, and achieve greater progress.

This opening ceremony was not just a ritual; it was a convergence of emotions shared between teachers and students, a reflection on the past, and an anticipation of the future. As Shanghai High School International Division celebrates its thirty years' anniversary, we firmly believe that our school will shine even brighter with the collective efforts of teachers and students.

Lin'gang Campus

The fall breeze was cool, but the Lin'gang campus was steaming. The children flew into the new campus like birds and gathered in Lecture Hall 1. The Opening Ceremony began at 10:15 a.m. Ms. Miao Xiaoling, Assistant Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Ms. Fu Bing, Director of SHSID Lin'gang Campus, gave warm speeches to the students and teachers, welcoming the children to SHSID and sending them blessings for the new semester. Accompanied by the children's applause, the representatives of teachers of all grades came to the stage and sent their wishes, hoping that the students would have achievements and grow happily in the new semester!

Then, Josh, the student representative of Grade 2, reviewed the fun activities he participated in the past year and shared his growth, developing a good habit of reading and becoming more independent. Helen, the third-grade student representative, compared SHSID to Hogwarts and encouraged students to take the wizard's wands in their hands and explore the magical campus. The teachers in SHSID, much like Professors McGonagalls and Hagrids, would constantly guide and help students. The "black magic class" would give you knowledge and teach you how to solve problems. The school was full of unknowns and challenges, where every mistake would help you grow.

Finally, the students were looking forward to the "twelve stars.” The twelve stars are the awards for the last semester, which give encouragement for the new semester. The applauses were constant, and the children's eyes glittered with anticipation for the new semester. They were also secretly rubbing their fists and jumping into action, ready to reap the joy and growth!

With the clear sky shining on the sea and the breeze blowing on the campus, Lin'gang Campus will continue to ride the waves and write a beautiful and bright chapter.

Pudong Campus

Saying farewell to the leisurely summer vacation, the brand-new semester has finally commenced. On this day of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, the opening ceremony of the new semester took place on the morning of September 1st, 2023, in the auditorium. As the ceremony began, Ms. Liu Fang, the Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Mr. Wu Xiaodong, Director of SHSID Pudong Campus extended their best wishes for the new semester to the students. Ms. Liu Fang shared her challenging summer hiking experience to draw parallels to academic journey of self-motivation, goal setting, effort, and overcoming challenges for achieving aspirations. Mr. Wu focused on setting SMART goals, reflecting in a timely manner, tracking progress and wisely adjusting strategies.

Subsequently, four student representatives were invited to come on stage and share their experiences with everyone. Anna, student from class 2-1, shared her experiences in grade 1. She embraced activities like Kid's Talk, learning presentation skills and confidence. Benxin from class 3-1 reflected on his Grade 2 achievements and offered advice for the new school year. He suggested helping classmates, facing fears, and promoting teamwork for success. Furthermore, he also envisioned a united campus as a galaxy of stars, inspiring personal growth. Alisa, from class 4-2, shared strategies for overcoming challenges in learning. She emphasized maintaining positivity, creating realistic plans, avoiding comparisons, and seeking help. Sean, from class 5-1, shared his approach to balancing hobbies and studying. He highlighted making schedules, prioritizing tasks, and taking breaks, emphasizing the importance of balance for happiness and success.

The award ceremony of the "Twelve Stars" section and the lucky draw for sharing aspirations for the new semester pushed the ceremony to its climax. Whether receiving awards and gifts or not, every student's face was filled with bright smiles and anticipation for the new semester.

Hongkou Campus

The autumn rain brought a cool breeze that swept away the heat of summer, marking the beginning of a new chapter for SHSID Hongkou Campus and welcoming the first batch of lovely, energetic first-graders. On the morning of September 1st, all the teachers and students of Hongkou Campus gathered in the new auditorium to celebrate the significant moment of the opening ceremony. The children looked around the new campus with eyes full of curiosity, expectation, and longing. The ceremony officially began with a welcoming speech from the host.

Preparation for Grade 1

First, the big screen in the auditorium displayed the young faces of the children, showcasing the preparations they had made over the summer vacation for the new semester. When they shouted, "SHSID Hongkou campus, I'm ready to sail!", the atmosphere in the auditorium instantly lifted.

Bond with Your Community

Next, all staff members of the Hongkou Campus greeted the new first-graders with their brightest smiles.

Teachers’ Messages Time

Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Ms. Zhu Dan, Director of the Hongkou Campus, warmly welcomed the students entering primary school and extended their best wishes for the new semester.

Presentation of Welcome Kits

Accompanying the blessings was a carefully prepared "Welcome Kits," containing pencils, erasers, and "little heroes" stickers imprinted with the words of SHSID. It was a bag full of welcome and expectations. From this moment on, we anticipate that the children will write a new chapter in their lives, becoming little HEROes-embodying Honesty, Etiquette, Respect, and Organization!

The Promise Tree

In the midst of laughter, several children came to the stage in turn with a clear and firm voice to say their promise for the new school year. Under the watchful eyes of their teachers, the children will begin to record their own "little hero" growth journals.

Symbolic Candle Lighting

Finally, filled with exceptional expectations, the children lit candles and embarked on a new journey, carrying their dreams as they set sail. We hope that, with the unremitting efforts of all teachers and students, Hongkou Campus will write a splendid new chapter.

Middle School Section

With the arrival of the beginning of autumn and the refreshing and vibrant atmosphere, SHSID middle school students have entered into a new phase of their lives. Through reflection, listening, communication, and anticipation, they are harvesting the fruits of youth .

The host firstly announced the official start of the opening ceremony. Then, student representatives from each grade level delivered speeches. Althea from Class 6(1) expressed the excitement of all sixth-grade students as they have transferred to middle school. She summarized the independent learning skills acquired during primary school, and presented new expectations for becoming independent learners in middle school, such as being proactive while seeking help from others, and achieving personal growth within a team. Margaret from Class 7(3) shared the theme of independent learning, emphasizing the importance of self-correction and problem-solving by ourselves, both as efficient learning methods. These explorations have given her confidence to explore unlimited possibilities through independent learning in the new semester. Cici Chen from Class 8(5) focused on how effective time management helps us. She shared specific time management tips. What’s more, together with her personal transformation: believing in oneself and finding areas are good at. Instead of being perfect, we should focus on becoming better.

Combining the students' sharing, Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary school, proposed being a person who put a lot of efforts on personal habits, personal deeds and actions, personal learning. Effort is also one of the most important talents. We must strive in the right direction, so as not to waste our talents. Students need to think about what kind of person should they become, what should they do? And How? Setting goals for themselves from the beginning of this semester, and continue going on the journey of becoming independent learners.

Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, gave the most impressive speech. He instilled two crucial beliefs in this learning journey. First, a desire for learning and self-awareness should be maintained at all times. Reflect on why we learn and provide positive reinforcement for our learning. Second, actively participate and constantly learn new things, improving our learning abilities in all aspects. This two beliefs have greatly inspired the students present, and it is hoped that all students can enter the new semester with a passion for learning.

During the awarding ceremony, Principal Liu commended the star class representatives, students who received scholarships, and those who received social activities awards. In addition, the lists of behavior awards, progress awards, physical exercise awards, and other honors were announced. With the enthusiastic applause, the students were inspired by their peers and expressed their hope for the new semester. The opening ceremony concluded successfully.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the SHSID, we look forward to working with all teachers, students, and parents to start the new school year and create new achievements and a brighter future!

(Written by Yu Lin, Brittany Zhu, Amanda Wang, Lu Jia, Min Sheng, Xinyi Zhang

Pictures by Jing Xu, Siying Li, Minxuan Cao, Chun'ai Xu, Qingjia Yang, Elaine Zhu, Teachers from Hongkou Campus

Edited by Serene Yang, Jing Xu, Cong Luo, Directors of All Sections, Shiyu Wu(Intern))