On August 21 and 22, Xiehe Education and SUIS Qingpu held a two-day induction program for new Chinese and expatriate colleagues, injecting vitality and wisdom into the start of the new academic year. The activities over the two days served to establish a smooth transition into work and life with Xiehe and the school, and helped colleagues begin their new journey successfully. Teachers from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered together, hand-in-hand, to embark on that journey across mountains and seas!
In this eagerly awaited new semester, new faculty and staff had their pictures taken for our ‘school family’ wall. These images bear witness to the birth of a diverse and integrated team which will collaboratively craft a brilliant chapter for the school’s new academic year.
As the new colleagues stepped through the school’s doors, they encountered a variety of digital devices and online resources. They eagerly sought guidance on how to connect to the “SUIS-Staff” network and how to use tools like WeChat Work. Under the guidance of the ICT department, they learned how to submit work orders and enquire about basic work and office needs. There were also guided on how to use tools like VDI Desktop, the network printers, NAS, and Xiwo. In this new work environment, they gradually integrated into the team, showcasing their enthusiasm for work and their quick adaptability. This training period not only equipped them with essential skills, but also strengthened their sense of belonging and confidence within the school.
Managers from the various divisions and departments led new teachers in close discussions, sharing their professional knowledge and experiences. These interactive sessions not only facilitated the transfer of knowledge but also ignited new creative ideas and collaborative possibilities.
Through this sharing session, new teachers gained a deep understanding of Xiehe’s core values and mission, clarifying their roles and responsibilities within the team. This session wasn’t just about transferring knowledge – it provided an experiential understanding of cultural concepts. Topics ranged from children’s philosophy to theme-based inquiry learning, from comprehensive science and engineering to cross-cultural competence with an international perspective, from “problem” student psychology to interdisciplinary teaching that blends Eastern and Western approaches, and even to using resources to create classroom-specific cultures. All in all, the training content was rich and diverse! This multifaceted learning experience provided valuable insights and practical inspiration to our new teachers, injecting them with fresh motivation and confidence for their new journey with Xiehe.
Filled with curiosity and anticipation, new teachers stepped onto the vast SUIS Qingpu campus with hopeful eyes. As they strolled through the campus, they felt the strong academic atmosphere and vibrant campus life. During the tour, they listened to Dr. Adam Neufield, Co-Principal at SUIS Qingpu, as he introduced them to the campus. They not only learned about the architectural style of the campus but also deeply experienced the warmth and inclusivity of the school community. The tour not only familiarized new colleagues with the physical campus, but more importantly, it established for them a strong emotional connection with the school, laying a solid foundation for their future work and learning.
In addition to the well-designed induction events, both Chinese and foreign teachers were invited to visit Shanghai’s iconic Bund and “Qian Gu Qing” (Thousand-Year Love) show, experiencing the dazzling night views along the Huangpu River and the vibrant charm of the city. This special visit not only allowed them to experience the school’s warm hospitality, but also injected a fresh vitality into their educational journey, encouraging them to shine in this unfamiliar land.
At the new teacher orientation meeting, Co-Principals Sunny Huang and Dr. Neufield delivered a speech filled with enthusiasm, warmly welcoming the incoming and returning teachers. They wholeheartedly acknowledged the vital role educators play in shaping the future and emphasized the school’s shared educational vision and mission. They underscored the school’s dedication to providing a positive and inspiring learning environment, aiming to offer students the best educational experience. They encouraged both new and experienced teachers to embrace innovation, embrace change, and stay current in their approaches to teaching. The entire venue resonated with laughter and applause, leaving the new staff members invigorated and confident as they embraced the new challenges ahead.
