Online Opening Ceremony

On the morning of March 2nd, all high school teachers and students of SHSID participated in an “online opening ceremony” to welcome the new semester. The online opening ceremony was presided over by High School Vice Principal Liu Min.

To begin, everyone watched the new semester blessing video from the homeroom teachers of grades 9-12. The teachers first shared their personal experiences during winter vacation. They then encouraged everyone to do their best to shoulder social responsibility, protect themselves, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn online as we go through this special period together. In the video, Principal Ma also encouraged students to combine effective study and active exercise during the online learning period to better prepare for the coming gethering.

The student representatives from grades 9-12 also shared videos explaining their learning and living experiences during the vacation as well as their own coping strategies for the current special situation. A senior representative shared his experience in overcoming injuries while being a school basketball captain. He encouraged everyone to be brave enough to jump out of their comfort zone. Ziyang from grade 11 shared how students can actively respond to the epidemic by adapting their learning strategies and activities, stressing the importance of not being afraid of challenges and staying flexible. Adelynn from grade 10 reminded everyone to work out every day during online learning to maintain good physical health. Yingke from grade 9 introduced how to make the most out of time spent at home.

Finally, Ms. Gordon and Peer Advisors introduced the learning methods and skills utilized during online learning from the perspectives of both teachers and students, helping students to fully tap into their potential for multi-threaded learning and cultivate efficient online learning habits.

The online opening ceremony was watched by almost 3,000 people in total. More than 1,400 teachers and students from different countries and regions watched it online at the same time.

Recap of the Winter Vacation

Early into the winter vacation, SHSID high school students took an active part in various activities. On January 10, some students went to Xi'an and started their week-long Adventurous Journey hiking trip. Although completing this hiking trip was a difficult task that was full of challenges, the students were able to overcome their physical difficulties with laughter and optimism throughout the journey. While the Adventurous Journey was challenging, it helped students understand the strength of a team.

On January 19, another group of students won the RWDC championship, which is an educational course and competition that aims to help young teenagers from all over the world use science, art, technology, engineering, mathematics and other related disciplines to design a real world of the future.

In addition, four students from grade 11 won the outstanding award in the 22nd Annual High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling. From this competition, the team not only further developed their skills in critical thinking and mathematical applications but also in teamwork and tenacity.

Work Together and Stay Positive

Although this has been a special winter vacation and school has started in a unique way, it has not affected the teachers’ or students’ expectations for the new semester. Everyone is ready for the new semester with great enthusiasm and confidence.

During the winter vacation, the teachers were already starting to prepare for online lessons while maintaining close contact with students online. In the new semester, both teachers and students will have class in their own homes and use online platforms as well as high-tech methods to have real-time interactions during their studies. All the changes and differences will eventually be transformed into our familiar classroom and learning process.

Under the guidance and encouragement of their teachers, students will also become familiar with using the internet to improve their learning efficiency.

The teachers and students are ready, so let’s look forward to this special semester together.

Under the guidance and encouragement of their teachers, the students are becoming familiar with using the internet to maintain or even improve their learning efficiency. The teachers and students are ready, and let’s look forward to this special semester together.

(Written by Anita Lo, Wang Menglei, Zhang Qian Pictures by G9-G12 teachers Supervised by Xie Junyu)