The winter campus gets warmer and warmer as the students come back, and with the power of spring about to bloom at the beginning of Year of Ox, SHSIDers are now all ready for the new semester ahead with full energy and enthusiasm.

Grades 9-10 Opening Ceremony

On the morning of the first day of school for the new semester, February 22nd, 2021, students gathered in the Grand Auditorium to attend the Opening Ceremony.

First, they listened to an inspiring speech by High School Vice Principal Liu Min. Ms. Liu elucidated the great efforts made by students throughout the past semester, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and participation. Ms. Liu discussed the approaches to learning, highlighting important aspects of studying such as taking notes and efficiency. She reminded students to make smart and intelligent choices, mentioning the choice of courses and extracurricular activities. Ms. Liu concluded her speech by reemphasizing self-development and the discovery of interests.

After Ms. Liu’s speech, Ms. Wu Chen, Grade Supervisor of 10th Grade, reviewed the growth of the students, and then explored topics of time management and course selection. Ms. Wu expected everyone to make good use of school resources by choosing classes, competitions, and hobbies smartly.

Next, Charlie Miao from 10(6) shared her thoughts on the importance of self-care and self-love, the problems of expectations, and mental health, encouraging students to have fun throughout the arduous journey of high school.

After Charlie, Ms. Gu Ying, Grade Supervisor of 9th Grade, expressed her joy in seeing student collaboration and learning, concluding with a wish of good luck to all students.

Next, a student from 9(8), Elizabeth Yu, shared the accomplishments she made throughout the winter break such as FBLA. She talked about her time management and productivity tips.

In the last stage of the ceremony, cheerful Chinese music was blasted from the Auditorium speakers as representative teachers from numerous departments wished all students a happy new year and an amazing semester ahead.

Grades 11-12 Opening Ceremony

Winter passes by without a word. On the warm afternoon of February 22nd, the juniors and seniors returned from the winter break to the Opening Ceremony for the second semester. For the seniors, it signaled the beginning of the end of their time in high school. For the juniors, their greatest challenges still await them.

Ms. Yu Zhen, Grade Supervisor of 11th Grade, spoke first. For the juniors, she gave many questions for the students to ponder in the coming months as the task of completing their college applications draws closer. She also gave many recommendations, advising the students to plan ahead for shaping every aspect of themselves.

Lauren from 11(2) and Alfred from 11(6) then spoke as the representatives of Grade 11. They not only shared their trepidation and fears for the near future, but also their preparations for overcoming those fears and staying positive and balanced. Prioritizing activities and organizing them into focused sets of tasks is paramount for success in the upcoming college cycle.

After them, Grade Supervisor of 12th Grade, Ms. Zhang Yueyue took to the stage to speak to the graduating seniors. She took a look back at the semester that had passed and asked the seniors to remember and value the experiences and skills they gained in the process, giving them one last project: to share their knowledge in a letter to the incoming 9th graders. In the end, she left off with a message of joy, hoping that the students, too, would look back on their time in the school and remember it fondly, while also asking that they make the most of their time with the teachers that helped them, with the friends they've made, and in the school that gave them these opportunities to grow into who they are today.

Then, in one of the last times they would find themselves upon the stage, the representatives of the graduating seniors came to reminisce, one last time. Andrew Pei, of class 12(2), recalled the process of finding his calling in economics. Turning his head to what lays in front, he also reminded his fellow seniors to remember, regardless of where they end up, as their titles of students in high school are replaced, that their identities have been built by their collective successes and failures which cannot be defined by any admissions panel at a university. Marisa Hu, of 12(6), also looked back on her own path through high school. She took a moment to congratulate her fellow seniors on almost reaching the end of their high school careers. However, she also prompted them to continue in their activities for their ongoing growth as individuals entering a bigger world, asking that they pursue their interests to the best of their abilities.

At last, Ms. Liu Qin, Director of School Affairs Center of High School, addressed the audience. She encouraged students to be a self-starter and self-learner and use strong will power to make dreams and plans come true. Ms. Liu also stressed the importance of being grateful for helps from everyone and being self-disciplined with a respect for rules.

After Ms. Liu’s speech, the teachers took the final moments of the day to give out awards to the students for their outstanding performance over the past year, encouraging everyone to serve their communities and be public-minded.

Winter Break and the New Semester

This winter break lingered in the shadow of the residual pandemic as most of the students stayed in Shanghai for the Chinese New Year holiday. However, compared to last year's sudden outbreak and the subsequent long online classes, this winter break was much more relaxing and enriching, enabling the students to gain more progress and more fruitful experiences.

Some students continued to study hard during the holidays, enhancing and expanding on their interests, enthusiastically participating in relevant competitions, and achieving good results. For example, some students participated in a weeklong training for the American Maths Competition in the United States and made a great progress of 30 points in the final test. Some students even adjusted their biological clocks in order to participate in the F=ma Physics Competition in the United States at 4:00 a.m.

Some students took advantage of this rare leisure to start new hobbies — teaching themselves chess and embarking on a journey to a world with 64 black and white tiles. From the Queen's Gambit to the French Defense, students learned the ability to think ahead and anticipate potential threats and opportunities.

Other students spent their time doing outdoor activities. The holidays in general are great opportunities for students who have been riding horses for years to build up more confidence and learn new skills. Through constant exploration and experimentation, the young riders have not only discovered their house-riding strengths, but also experienced the rare pleasure of riding through the vast expanse of the world at the break of dawn.

In addition to studying and exercise, SHSIDers also enjoyed the Chinese New Year holiday while doing their best to keep socially distant. From mornings at the Bund to evenings at Yu Garden, they experienced the festive atmosphere of the New Year amidst the bustling yet orderly crowds. Everyone was brought under the heartwarming feeling of the spring and the power to advance in the new year!

In the last semester that just ended, the students at SHSID gave their best in challenging coursework, and developed their interests and various skills. They showcased their unique talents, broadened their global mindedness, and enhanced their understanding of multiculturalism in events like the Sports Meet, the English Speech Competition, the Science Fair, the Art Festival, and so on. The seniors bravely participated in the fierce competition of college applications, and they had gains and growth in abundance. This semester, the school will organize the Talent Show, MIX Day and various exciting activities. The seniors will also participate their 18-year-old adult ceremony and graduation ceremony. The rich and diverse campus activities will allow students to broaden their horizons, go deeper into the community, and experience multiculturalism in addition to the intellectually stimulating academic study. All the students are ready to embrace their new selves in the new semester and let us witness the blossoming of spring together. In the Year of Ox, we are all ready to meet new challenges with renewed strength and energy!

（Written by Lele Hao, Mianqi Chen, Yichen Xiong Pictures by Alicia Zheng， Ethan Lee, Hao Sun Supervised by Hazel Gu, Menglei Wang, Sijia He, Cheer Zhang）