In September, under the mellow autumn sun and a gentle breeze, a new school year embarks!
In the early morning at SUIS Qingpu’s main gate, teachers arrived early to welcome the arrival of the students. The returning students were surprised to discover that, in addition to their teachers, what also welcomed them was a beautiful campus both familiar and refreshingly new! The older students, serving as campus ambassadors, greeted their younger siblings who were new to the campus. Their warm smiles melted the slight tension and anxiety of the newcomers.
Co-Principals Sunny Huang and Dr. Adam Neufield provided welcome speeches at the Opening Ceremonies for each of the campus’ primary, middle and high school divisions. In their opening ceremony speeches, Sunny and Adam explained SUIS Qingpu’s vision and mission, and shared about the desired characteristics and values of SUIS Qingpu learners. Finally, the Co-Principals encouraged students to believe that the future world belongs to lifelong learners. In this new academic year, they wished every student the best with their efforts toward achieving their goal of being outstanding students, responsible citizens, and future leaders.
Co-Principal Adam, along with three teachers, brought the audience a surprising men’s group ‘a cappella’ performance which received rounds of applause from the students and teachers present. If we say that campus life at SUIS Qingpu is like a piece of music, then every day of joyful learning leaves a series of notes on our musical score. We believe that on the first day of school, the children’s musical score must be filled with joyful and unforgettable notes.
Setting Sail for Dreams – Teacher and Student Speeches
s the new term is about to begin, how can we prepare for the journey ahead, singing and sightseeing along the way? Student representative Roxy Xiang from Class 4B shared her thoughts and hopes for the new term, as well as her dreams.
Assistant Principal Helen Liu delivered a sincere and vivid speech, offering her outlook and blessings for the new academic year in the primary school division. She said as students of SUIS Qingpu, they should have an obligation to and responsibility for themselves, for others, for the country, and for the world. Only when students have the ability and courage to fulfill these responsibilities can they truly become outstanding students rooted in China with a global perspective, responsible citizens, and future leaders. The students, attentively listening to the speech, all looked forward to the new term with eager eyes.
Under the guidance of Ms. Yuki, a tutor teacher for one of the school’s first graduating Middle School classes, the senior students who have now stepped into the door of the high school sent their wishes for the opening ceremony to express their gratitude to their loved school and teachers.
A team led by Ms. Lana shared the story of recently winning the national championship in the Spelling Bee this past July. The team led by Ms Veronica shared their special experiences and happiness participating in the “World Scholars Cup 2023 Xiamen Global Round” competition in August. These achievements fully demonstrated the educational objectives of SUIS Qingpu: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective and Innovative.
The Middle School then welcomed the new sixth grade students. In order to encourage these outstanding students to continue to working hard, the school established the “Principal’s Scholarship.” At the ceremony, Co-Principal Ms Sunny issued the scholarship to 23 outstanding new Grade 6 students.
Finally, Ms. Flora Zhang, the school’s Vice-Principal, provided the audience with a speech. She encouraged students by remarking that “whether your goal is to improve academic performance, develop special skills, or enhance self-management ability, please maintain enthusiasm and persist in your efforts”.
The theme of the high school’s opening ceremony was “SUIS Qingpu: The future of education, in service to the world.” The ceremony proceeded with this vision statement serving as a framework for the entire ceremony. SUIS Qingpu seeks to integrate the East and the West and pursue harmonious development. With such guidance and support, SUIS Qingpu students will seize the moment and put in great efforts to realize their future. Regardless of where they are, they will be dedicated to using their work and service to make the world a better place.
